PRIME MINISTER

City of London Remembrancer

Tom Watson: To ask the Prime Minister on which dates he has met the City of London Remembrancer since May 2010.

David Cameron: Details of my meetings with external individuals and organisations are published on a quarterly basis. Details can be accessed on the gov.uk website.

The Guardian

David Winnick: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his contribution of 28 October 2013, Official Report, column 664, what information has appeared in The Guardian on intelligence matters which the Government objects to on security grounds.

David Cameron: I have nothing to add.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Security

Tom Watson: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission how many parliamentary passes are issued to staff working on behalf of the City of London Remembrancer.

John Thurso: The City of London Remembrancer is one of some 15 “Roll A” agents that work with the promoters of private Bills and who have a parliamentary pass. No parliamentary passes have been issued to any staff working on behalf of the City of London Remembrancer.

TRANSPORT

Aircraft

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of changes in the number of A350 and Dreamliner aircraft flying into the UK's regional airports in the next 10 years.

Robert Goodwill: The Department's aviation forecasting model predicts that there will be 3,000 arrivals at and departures from regional (non-London) UK airports using either Dreamliner or A350 aircraft in 2014. By 2024 the model predicts that either Dreamliner or A350 aircraft will be used on 26,000 arrivals at and departures from regional (non-London) UK airports.

Channel Tunnel Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times the Channel Tunnel Rail Link has had to reduce its operating speeds below 100mph because of (a) power, (b) maintenance and (c) safety issues since it came into operation.

Stephen Hammond: The Department does not hold this type of operational data. This would be held by HS1 Ltd as the owners of the high speed 1 infrastructure.

Cycling

Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made on the amount spent by his Department on cycling (a) between 2010 and 2015 and (b) between 2005 and 2010.

Robert Goodwill: The Department will have spent £277 million directly on cycling in the five years 2010-11 to 2014-15. In addition £540 million has been spent through the local sustainable transport fund (LSTF), where 94 out of 96 projects have a cycling element; a further £178 million has been announced for the LSTF for 2015-16. Between 2005 and 2010 the Department spent £140 million on cycling projects and £10 million on Sustainable Travel Towns, where projects included cycling.

Cycling

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 2 September 2013, Official Report, column 149W, on cycling, what estimate the National Transport Model makes of (a) the number of trips made by bicycle and (b) the distance travelled by bicycle in each year until 2035.

Robert Goodwill: The latest forecasts of road travel, congestion and emissions in England up to 2040 from the National Transport Model (NTM) were published in Road Traffic Forecasts 2013, available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-transport-forecasts-2013
	These forecasts assume that the impact of smarter measures will increase cycling trips by 5% in 2015, 7.5% in 2025, and 10% in 2035. The resulting levels of cycling trips, and distance, forecast by the NTM are shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Billion 
			 Forecast year Annual cycle trips Annual cycle miles 
			 2010 1.2 2.9 
			 2015 1.4 3.4 
			 2020 1.3 3.2 
			 2025 1.3 3.0 
			 2030 1.3 3.1 
			 2035 1.4 3.1 
			 2040 1.4 3.1 
		
	
	These forecasts are based on our current understanding of how people make travel choices, the expected path of key drivers of travel demand and current Government policies.

East Coast Railway Line

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total value of the maintenance contract for the Inter City Express programme train fleet allocated for service on the east coast main line.

Stephen Hammond: The service provided by Agility Trains includes the supply of a fully maintained and serviced train fleet at a time indicated by the operator. There will therefore be no separate maintenance contract for the Class 800/801 fleet used on east coast main line.

East Coast Railway Line

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total cost to the successful bidder of the east coast main line passenger rail franchise.

Stephen Hammond: Costs incurred by bidders for franchise competitions are a matter for the companies concerned. As set out in the recently published prospectus for the East Coast Mainline (ECML) the share sale price for east coast main line (ECML) is expected to be no more than £20 million.
	The “cost” to the successful bidder in terms of premium/subsidy payments and line costs (staff costs etc.) will not be known until the winning bid is announced. The Department makes its own assessment of these costs as part of the specification of the franchise through a comparator model. These figures remain commercially confidential so as not to prejudice the upcoming competition.

East Coast Railway Line

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what Directly Operated Railways Ltd's annual expenditure on leasing rolling stock for service on the east coast main line has been in each year since 2009-10.

Stephen Hammond: Directly Operated Railways (DOR) Ltd does not have any contracts for the leasing of rolling stock. Such contracts are between the East Coast Main Line Company Ltd (ECML) which is a subsidiary of DOR and the rolling stock lessors. The amounts paid by ECML between 2009-10 and 2012-13 are as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 2009-10 (1)31,407,000 
			 2010-11 85,252,000 
			 2011-12 85,286,000 
			 2012-13 86,765,000 
			 (1 )November 2009 to March 2010.

Great Western Railway Line

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total value of the maintenance contract for the Inter City Express programme train fleet allocated for service on the Great Western Line.

Stephen Hammond: There will be no separate maintenance contract for the Class 800/801 fleet used on Great Western routes because of the nature of the contract. The service provided by Agility Trains includes the supply of a fully maintained and serviced train at time indicated by the operator.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will allow a 12 week consultation period for responses to the Environmental Statement on the effects of High Speed 2 due to be published with the hybrid Bill.

Robert Goodwill: The Government is considering the consultation process in connection with the Environmental Statement which we expect to table when the hybrid Bill for HS2 phase one is introduced. Parliamentary Standing Orders specify a minimum period of 56 days for consultation on the Environmental Statement for hybrid Bills. This is generous in comparison to other legislation authorising infrastructure projects, with minimum periods of only 21 days under the Town and Country Planning and 28 days under the Planning Act.
	It is reasonable for us to have regard to the fact that consultation with the public on HS2 has been considerable already. In 2013 there have been consultations on the draft Environmental Statement and the proposed design refinements, along with a further consultation on property compensation. A consultation is also under way on the route for Phase 2 of the route. This is a significant level of consultation which means that those people affected by HS2 are in a very informed position to be able to respond. In addition, the Environmental Statement is being deliberately structured to make it easy to access, with a non-technical summary and with information divided geographically in community forum areas.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of power to support High Speed 2 train services on the basis of operating at speeds of up to 400kph at 18 trains per hour for up to 20 hours per day.

Robert Goodwill: Whilst HS2 will be capable of operating 18 services per hour at 400kph, the assumptions on energy use in the HS2 economic case are based on the assumed service specification of 16 trains per hour and with running speeds lower than 400kph. The estimated cost of energy for operating HS2 trains on the full network over the appraisal period (2026-92) is £6 billion (present value, 2011 prices).

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the rate of energy price inflation used for the business case for High Speed 2 is.

Robert Goodwill: The HS2 economic case makes use of real energy price forecasts produced by the Department for Energy and Climate Change. The average rate of real energy price inflation between now and 2036 is 1.8% per annum; after this point energy costs are assumed constant in real terms.

Railways: Franchises

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safeguards exist to protect the contractual terms and conditions of the workforce when rail passenger franchises are transferred from the public to the private sector through a share sale.

Stephen Hammond: Terms and conditions of employment are a matter for incoming franchisees, as employers. The sale of East Coast Main Line Co. Ltd to a private sector franchisee will not, in and of itself, affect employees' rights or contracts of employment, nor will this involve a transfer of staff to a new employer.

Railways: Passengers

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many passengers per train kilometre are annually carried (a) on the East Coast main line and (b) by each of the franchised rail passenger operators in the UK.

Stephen Hammond: The following table shows the average number of passenger journeys and passenger kilometres per timetabled train kilometre in 2012-13 for East Coast and the other franchised train operators in the UK.
	
		
			 Average number of passenger journeys and passenger kilometres per timetabled train kilometre: Franchised train operators 2012-13 
			  Passenger journeys (million) Passenger kilometres (million) Timetabled train kilometres (million) Average number of journeys per train kilometre Average number of passenger kilometres per train kilometre 
			 Arriva Trains Wales 29.0 1,154 24.2 1.2 47,6 
			 c2c 37.4 1,009 6.5 5.8 156.3 
			 Chiltern 21.4 1,133 10.7 2.0 106.0 
			 Crosscountry 33.4 3,254 32.6 1.0 99.9 
			 East Coast 19.0 4,934 22.0 0.9 224.7 
			 East Midlands Trains 24.1 2,252 22.2 1.1 101.6 
			 First Capital Connect 106.3 3,638 24.8 4.3 146.6 
			 First Great Western 97.3 5,868 42.8 2.3 137.0 
			 First ScotRail 83.3 2,713 44.4 1.9 61.1 
			 First TransPennine Express 24.9 1,604 17.3 1.4 92.5 
			 Greater Anglia 126.4 4,147 34.0 3.7 121.9 
			 London Midland 60.5 2,241 25.4 2.4 88.1 
			 London Overground 125.3 960 7.6 16.5 126.1 
			 Merseyrail 41.7 612 6.4 6.6 96.2 
			 Northern Rail 89.8 2,122 44.6 2.0 47.6 
			 South West Trains 210.8 5,778 39.4 5.3 146.5 
			 Southeastern 169.3 4,218 38.1 4.4 110.6 
			 Southern 171.4 4,386 37.8 4.5 115.9 
			 Virgin Trains 30.4 5,958 35.8 0.8 166.3 
			 Source: Office of Rail Regulation 
		
	
	Timetabled train kilometres represent the total number of train kilometres each train operator would achieve if they operated 100% of their timetable, but because timetables can change and trains can be cancelled or may not run their whole route this will not represent the total number of train kilometres actually operated.
	Note that these figures do not take into account the amount of capacity provided by train operators on each train service.

Roads

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects of the review of Local Transport Note 2/95 on policy and practice of devolved government in Wales and Scotland.

Robert Goodwill: ‘Local Transport Note 2/95: The Assessment of Pedestrian Crossings', was published in 1995 and was adopted by both Scotland and Wales. It gives advice on designing and installing zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings and has not been reviewed since publication. No assessment of its effects on practice in Scotland and Wales has been made.
	The Department is currently revising the legislation covering pedestrian crossings, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions and the Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions. The new regulations are expected to come into force in spring 2015. As part of this process guidance such as Local Transport Note 2/95 will be updated in due course, to reflect the revised regulations.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Burma

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will include Burma in the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative.

Hugo Swire: At its outset, the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) identified countries, in consultation with the UN and other partners, for initial deployments by experts including to Bosnia, Libya, the DRC, and the Syrian border. Over recent months the initiative has extended to a number of other countries—including Burma. During his visit to the UK, President Thein Sein met with me and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and welcomed the initiative.
	We continue to call for an end to the use of sexual violence in Burma. At a minimum there must be strengthened accountability and better access to justice for victims of sexual violence. More widely, tackling sexual violence will be central to reducing tensions and the peace process.
	On the ground, our embassy in Rangoon is looking to incorporate PSVI activities into new and existing work. Funding has been recently approved for a project that will help to improve access to justice for victims, develop community-based preventive mechanisms and promote wider legal and policy reforms.

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth office did not lay any reports before Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in the 2012-13 Session.

Colombia

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2013, Official Report, column 761W, on Colombia, if he will raise with the Colombian President the clauses in the trade agreement between the EU and Colombia relating to human rights, labour standards and environmental standards and the mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing those clauses.

Hugo Swire: We will continue to engage with the Colombian Government on human rights, labour standards and environmental standards, and alongside EU partners will work with the Colombian Government to bring about full implementation of all parts of the trade agreement.

Energy

Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what costs were incurred by his Department's estate in respect of (a) gas and (b) electricity supply in the 2012-13 financial year.

David Lidington: For the financial year 2012-13, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's financial management system shows the FCO incurred electricity costs of £2,745,098 and gas costs of £41,167. This answer relates to the UK estate comprising of King Charles Street, Old Admiralty Building, Lancaster House, Carlton Gardens, Hanslope Park and Northgate House. It would incur a disproportionate cost to source this information from our network of posts as this information is held locally.

Latin America

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to enhance the work of the British Council in Latin America; and if he will make a statement.

Hugo Swire: UK missions across Latin America work closely with the British Council on a number of campaigns showcasing British expertise and promoting UK education across the region. For example, in Brazil, the British embassy is supporting the Council's four-year programme of arts and creative exchange, lasting from the London Olympic Games to Rio 2016; in Uruguay, we supported the re-opening of the Council's Office in Montevideo; and in Mexico, the British Council is playing a key role, alongside the British embassy, in supporting the 2015 Year of the UK in Mexico and Year of Mexico in the UK.
	The British Council has ambitious expansion plans within the region. It is active in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela and is exploring opportunities to develop programmes in other countries.

Sri Lanka

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has plans to visit Jaffna and the former war zones in the Wanni region of Sri Lanka.

Hugo Swire: The Prime Minister will be visiting the north of Sri Lanka during his visit to Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The exact details of his itinerary are yet to be confirmed.
	The Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond-(Yorks) (Mr Hague), and I will use the visit to Sri Lanka to see the situation on the ground first hand, to meet people on all sides of the conflict, and to raise our concerns frankly and directly with the Sri Lankan Government.

UK Trade and Investment

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whose responsibility it is to ensure that all documents on the UK Trade and Investment website are consistent with overall government policies.

Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	Overall responsibility for the UKTI website rests with UK Trade and Investment Marketing. Content is created by staff throughout UK Trade & Investment.

Western Sahara

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  if he will (a) raise with the Moroccan ambassador and (b) instruct the UK ambassador in Rabat to investigate the injuries caused by police and security forces when breaking up demonstrations in El Aaiun, Western Sahara on 19 October 2013;
	(2)  if he will (a) raise with the Moroccan ambassador and (b) instruct the UK ambassador in Rabat to investigate allegations that Saharawi homes were broken into and ransacked by Moroccan security forces following demonstrations in El Aaiun, Western Sahara on 19 October 2013.

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of reports of this nature. We regularly emphasise to Morocco the importance of full respect for human rights in Western Sahara, including when policing demonstrations. We have encouraged Morocco to ensure that transparent investigations take place when there are allegations against the security forces. The former Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), discussed this issue during his visit to Rabat last month.

Western Sahara

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on establishing a UN mechanism to monitor the human rights situation in Western Sahara.

Hugh Robertson: We will continue to make clear, including in discussions at the UN Security Council the importance of full respect for human rights in both Western Sahara and the refugee camps at Tindouf.

TREASURY

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish all correspondence between his Department and the Welsh Government in relation to expenditure on High Speed 2 and associated Barnett consequentials.

Danny Alexander: There has been no correspondence between the Treasury and Welsh Government Ministers on High Speed 2. Barnett consequentials will be determined at the spending round.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Welsh Government has received a share of an estimated £832 million to be spent on the High Speed 2 project by the Department for Transport in 2015-16.

Danny Alexander: At the spending round in June, the Welsh Government received a capital consequential of £84.5 million. This was based on a £2 billion increase in the total Transport capital budget. The Barnett formula calculation used the framework set out at the spending review in 2010, which set out 73.1% of changes in Transport spending are subject to Barnett consequential for the Welsh Government. The framework is expected to be updated at the next full spending review, as is usual practice, and will reflect the latest information on departmental spending.

Infrastructure

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value of each (a) project and (b) guarantee is for each infrastructure scheme for which a UK Guarantee has been contracted.

Danny Alexander: I refer the right hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 22 October 2013.

Infrastructure

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the statement by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of 22 October 2013, Official Report, column 9WS, on infrastructure guarantees, what the criteria are for projects which have agreed to be listed on the gov.uk website; and which of the schemes named in the statement have secured an agreed Government guarantee to date.

Danny Alexander: Projects are listed on the gov.uk website when they have prequalified under the UK Guarantees scheme and no commercial reasons have been provided by project sponsors objecting to the project's disclosure.
	Drax Power has been issued with a guarantee under the scheme.
	When other projects receive a guarantee the scheme status will be changed and Parliament will be notified as required under the Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Act 2012.

Infrastructure

John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the statement by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of 22 October 2013, Official Report, column 9WS, on infrastructure guarantees, in which region each of the 40 projects pre-qualified for the UK Guarantees scheme will be developed.

Danny Alexander: No particular region is being targeted for the development of the scheme. The legislation, Infrastructure (Financial Assistance) Act 2012, underpinning the UK Guarantees scheme extends to projects from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
	A guarantee will only be offered subject to the satisfactory completion of the necessary due diligence and final ministerial approval.

National Insurance Contributions: New Businesses

Christopher Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many firms have (a) applied for and (b) taken up the regional employer national insurance contributions holiday; and what amount has been claimed by such firms in each month since December 2012;
	(2)  how many firms have taken up the regional employer national insurance contributions holiday since that scheme's introduction; and how much has been claimed by each such firm.

David Gauke: The NICs Holiday attracted just over 26,000 applicants over a three year period. The latest available data shows that only around 600 have been unsuccessful.
	Further information about the NICs Holiday scheme is published in a factsheet available on:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/nics-hol.htm
	The factsheet only covers the period from the start of the scheme to December 2012.
	Monthly breakdown of the amounts claimed by employers is not available. The claims are made on annual basis using end of year claim forms. The latest available data shows that around £60 million of NICs relief has been received by employers in total. The figure does not include claims for 2013-14 tax year.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Antisocial Behaviour: Young People

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what information her Department holds on the number of Mosquito devices in operation in (a) England and (b) each London borough;
	(2)  what arrangements her Department has in place for monitoring the prevalence of Mosquito devices in England.

Norman Baker: holding answer 21 October 2013
	The Home Office does not hold information on the number of Mosquito devices in operation. Nor does it have any arrangements in place for monitoring the prevalence of Mosquito devices in England, though I am asking the national policing lead for anti-social behaviour which information they may hold on their deployment.
	The Mosquito device is a commercial product and it is not endorsed by the Home Office.
	I understand that the national policing lead for antisocial behaviour has decided not to support the use of these devices.

Asylum

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many legacy asylum applications are still outstanding; how many have been resolved in each of the last 12 months; and how many staff are allocated to this task.

Mark Harper: holding answer 12 September 2013
	The Home Office provides quarterly updates to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the progress of the Legacy cohort of cases under consideration by the Older Live Cases Unit (formerly the Case Audit and Assurance Unit). This is the ring fenced cohort of older asylum cases that was passed to CAAU when the Case Resolution Directorate closed in March 2011.
	Table A was included in the letter from David Wood and Sarah Rapson to the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), Chair of the Committee on 10 July 2013 as Annex A.
	We expect to provide a further update of this data to the Home Affairs Select Committee when it next considers the work of the Older Live Cases Unit in October 2013. We will take this opportunity to provide a more comprehensive breakdown of the conclusions by month.
	
		
			 Table A(1) (figures are rounded to the nearest 500) 
			  Net number of cases at the beginning of the quarter (31 December 2012) Number of cases that were concluded and left the live cohort(14) Number of cases that entered the live cohort(15) Net number of cases at the end of the quarter 
			 Asylum live cohort 33,500 1,600 700 32,600 
			 Migration live cohort 7,000 200 700 7,500 
			 Total live cohort 40,500 1,800 1,400 40,100 
			 (1) The information has been provided from local management information and is not a National Statistic. As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore subject to change. (14) Concluded is defined as per the Agency's 2006 definition “Grant of permanent or temporary residency, voluntary or enforced removal, found to have been given status before July 2006, found to be a duplicate record, deceased.” (15) This is a closed cohort of people. Additions to the cohort therefore are re-activations or conclusions from the Data Quality cohort. 
		
	
	There were 224 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff employed to work on this cohort of cases at the end of quarter one 2013. This figure includes agency staff.

Asylum: Finance

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if she will provide information on using the Azure card in languages other than English;
	(2)  how much unspent money was recouped from Azure cards in each of the last three years for which records are available.

Mark Harper: holding answer 10 October 2013
	The Azure card is issued to failed asylum seekers supported under the provisions of section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
	Home Office officials are looking at ways of providing information about the card in languages other than English. Funding is already provided to voluntary sector organisations to advise asylum seekers and failed asylum seekers about the support available to them.
	The card can be used at supermarkets to buy food and other essential items to the value of £35.39 per week. Unless the person has children only £5 can be carried over on the card into the following week. Any unspent excess over the £5 limit is returned to the Home Office.
	Total annual values returned over the past three years are:
	
		
			  £ 
			 2011 106,638 
			 2012 103,346 
			 2013 (1, 2)101,628 
			 (1) Year to date (2 )This data is (a) derived from management information as supplied by the support payments contractor, Sodexo Ltd; and (b) collated and held as local MI 1 October 2013.

Corruption

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff at what level of seniority will work on corruption policy in her Department following the establishment of the National Crime Agency.

Norman Baker: holding answer 22 October 2013
	There is a range of policy teams in the Home Office who will be working on different aspects of corruption policy, from work in the Police Transparency Unit on police integrity, to the work of the Strategic Centre for Organised Crime to deliver the programme of activity set out in the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, to the work of the Departmental Security Unit to tackle and prevent possible corruption in the Home Office and Home Office agencies. It is not possible to provide a specific number.

Corruption

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff in the National Crime Agency will be working on bribery and corruption; and what the level of seniority of each staff member will be.

Norman Baker: holding answer 24 October 2013
	There is a range of officers in the National Crime Agency working on issues relating to bribery and corruption, from the work of the Economic Crime Command overseeing the law enforcement response, to the work of the Intelligence Hub in leading on the assessment of bribery and corruption by organised crime. Drawing on the operational capabilities across the whole of the National Crime Agency will result in increased capacity to deal with the full range of these threats as required. It is therefore not possible to provide a specific number.

Entry Clearances: Fees and Charges

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2013, Official Report, column 467W, on entry clearances: fees and charges, what discussions the Government is having with Commonwealth countries which levy substantial visa charges on UK citizens entering their territory, to seek an equalisation of such charges across different jurisdictions.

Mark Harper: The Home Office is not having discussions with Commonwealth countries about the visa charges they levy on UK citizens entering their territory, nor about equalising such charges across different jurisdictions. We have made provisions that would allow such arrangements to be reflected in our immigration and visa fees in the Immigration Bill, which is currently before Parliament.

Illegal Immigrants: Employment

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average fine currently imposed on rogue businesses employing illegal immigrants is; and how many rogue businesses have been subject to a maximum penalty fine in each of the last three years.

Mark Harper: holding answer 23 October 2013
	Between 29 February 2008 and 30 September 2013 the average value of a civil penalty served on an employer was £9,123.
	The information relating to businesses subject to a maximum penalty in each of the last three years is in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of businesses receiving a maximum penalty of £10,000 per illegal worker 
			 2010-11 3 
			 2011-12 3 
			 2012-13 5 
			 2013 YTD 2 
		
	
	The maximum civil penalty per illegal worker is £10,000. The size of the civil penalty depends on the type of eligibility checks that the employer has made on its workers, the number of times the Home Office has issued a warning or imposed a civil penalty on the employer, and the extent to which the employer has co-operated with us.
	The figures are based on civil penalties served to employers within the UK for employing illegal migrant workers under section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, at the initial stage of the civil penalty process.
	Following receipt of a civil penalty, employers have the right to submit grounds of objection against the imposition of the penalty within 28 days and lodge an appeal against the penalty decision to a county court. Therefore penalties may subsequently be reduced, cancelled or re-issued at the objection and appeal stages.

Immigrants: Detainees

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost of detaining an individual in an immigration detention centre for one year.

Mark Harper: holding answer 9 September 2013
	The estimated average direct annual cost of holding a person in our immigration detention facilities for 2013-14 is £37,230.

Immigration

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases have been completed by the Older Live Cases Unit since its establishment within (a) three months, (b) six months and (c) one year of the initial referral; and if she will make a statement.

Mark Harper: holding answer 17 October 2013
	The Home Office holds this information only at a level of individual case files. Therefore, providing the information requested would incur disproportionate cost.

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were employed in the helpline sections of the Border Agency dealing with sections 15 to 25 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 in October 2013.

Mark Harper: Advice on the prevention of illegal working is managed through a Home Office Contact Centre in Sheffield. On 17 October 2013, there were 45 full-time equivalent team members in the Sheffield Contact Centre providing and supporting customer service across a variety of call and e-mail services. It is not possible to give the exact number of staff devoted to work on section 15 to 25 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 as this would vary according to call and e-mail demand across all channels of contact on any given day.
	The figures provided are not national statistics but are based on provisional management information and may be subject to change.

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the (a) maximum and (b) minimum sentence that the courts have imposed under sections 15 to 25 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 is since May 2010;
	(2)  how many prosecutions of employers there have been under sections 15 to 25 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 since May 2010.

Mark Harper: holding answer 22 October 2013
	Since May 2010 until the end of 2012, 10 offenders have been sentenced at all courts for the offence of knowingly employing illegal workers under section 21 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Of these, two offenders received the maximum sentence available for the offence—in both cases, sentenced at the Crown court to a two-year custodial sentence. There is no minimum sentence for this offence.
	
		
			 Defendants proceeded against at magistrates court, and offenders found guilty and sentenced at all courts for employing a person knowing that they are an adult subject to immigration control who has not been granted leave to enter or remain, or whose leave to remain is invalid etc.(1), England and Wales, May 2010 to December 2012(2,3,4) 
			 Offence Outcome May 2010 to December 2012 
			 Employing a person knowing that they are an adult subject to immigration control who has not been granted leave to enter or remain, or whose leave to remain is invalid etc. Proceeded against 10 
			  Found guilty 9 
			  Sentenced 10 
			  of which:  
			  Absolute discharge 0 
			  Conditional discharge 0 
			  Fine 5 
			  Community sentence 0 
			  Suspended sentences 2 
			  Otherwise dealt with 0 
			  Immediate custody 3 
			  of which:  
			  Maximum sentence(5) 2 
			 (1) An offence under S21 Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which commenced in February 2008. (2) The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3 )Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (4) The number of offenders sentenced can differ from those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty in a particular year, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. (5) In both cases, the offender was sentenced at the Crown court to a two-year custodial sentence. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Immigration: Stratford

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were involved in her Department's immigration status checks in Stratford; and what the cost to the public purse was.

Mark Harper: Six immigration officers were deployed for two hours on the operation and no overtime was incurred.

Members: Correspondence

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2013, Official Report, column 649W, on Members: Correspondence, when she plans to reply to the letters sent to her on 19 July, 29 August and 9 September 2013 by the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling regarding the case of Ms Rene Chung.

Mark Harper: The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), responded to my right hon. Friend on 18 September 2013.

National Crime Agency

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time equivalent staff will be part of the National Crime Agency's overseas network.

Norman Baker: holding answer 21 October 2013
	As at Wednesday 16 October 2013, the National Crime Agency's international network comprised 134 officers.

Police: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2013, Official Report, column 912W, if her Department will collate and hold information centrally on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by police services in England and Wales. [R]

Damian Green: No. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles is an operational matter for chief constables. Any use would need to comply with existing Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Covert use by a public authority likely to obtain private information, including by any law enforcement agency, would be subject to authorisation under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. That Act requires that covert investigatory techniques are used only if they are necessary and proportionate for purposes such as preventing or detecting crime or in the interests of national security. It makes deployment subject to independent overview, inspection and right to redress in case of individual complaint.

Regulation

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the title is of each regulation her Department (a) introduced and (b) revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to date; and if she will make a statement.

Mark Harper: The Home Office Regulations made since the General Election in 2010 to date which have been (a) introduced (b) revoked are set out in the table which will be placed in the House Library.
	The table does not include regulations made during this period which, although processed within the Home Office, related to the Government Equalities Office. That Office is no longer located within the Home Office.
	It is conceivable that other regulations have lapsed or been revoked as a result of primary legislation, but we hold no records of such cases.

Theft: Motor Vehicles

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance her Department gives to the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of British Insurers on responsibility for meeting recovery costs of stolen vehicles.

Damian Green: A provision in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 empowers the police, in certain defined circumstances, to remove and recover vehicles. This work is carried out by contracted recovery operators. The Home Office has not issued any guidance to the police on responsibility for meeting recovery costs, as this is an operational matter for the police. The Home Office has also not issued any guidance to the Association of British Insurers as this is a matter for their commercial decision.

West Mercia Police Federation

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to the public purse was of time spent by police officers conducting West Mercia Police Federation business during the working day in the latest period for which figures are available.

Damian Green: holding answer 29 October 2013
	This information is not held centrally. The management of facility time is a matter for West Mercia police.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Flood Control

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends to (a) publish and (b) respond to the findings of the independent evaluation of the Partnership Funding approach for flood funding commissioned by his Department.

Dan Rogerson: The DEFRA commissioned evaluation of the Partnership Funding approach is due to be published by the end of the year. The Department will consider the findings of the research on receipt. There is currently no timetable or plan for a formal response.

Redundancy

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the likelihood of job losses at his Department's Alnwick office under the Next Generation Shared Services Programme; and what recent discussions he has held with contractors on the work carried out at that office.

Dan Rogerson: holding answer 21 October 2013
	The Cabinet Office is leading a project to create a Shared Service Centre on a joint venture partnership basis formed from the existing Shared Service centres of DWP, DEFRA, the Environment Agency and BIS.
	As part of that process, my officials have engaged in discussions on the current service provision, and on wider commercial matters to enable a contract for the Independent Shared Services Centre 2 (ISSC2) to be negotiated.
	This has included information about the current DEFRA Shared Service Centre operations based in York and Alnwick. Staff have been made aware that there will be some site consolidation.
	I have been kept informed of progress but would not expect to participate in the commercial negotiations.

Trapping

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge, of 25 April 2013, Official Report, column 1237W, on trapping, when he will publish the Government's findings; and if he will make statement.

George Eustice: We are currently considering the findings of the report and Ministers expect to meet stakeholders shortly to discuss their views.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2013, Official Report, column 457W, on unmanned air vehicles, whether non-core functions or agencies of his Department have used unmanned aerial vehicles over the last five years. [R]

Dan Rogerson: The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Food and Environment Research Agency, Environment Agency, Natural England and the Royal Botanic Gardens have used unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying work and photography over the last five years.

SCOTLAND

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports his Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

David Mundell: Section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 applies only to England and Wales. Therefore neither the Secretary of State for Scotland nor I are required to lay reports before each House of Parliament in relation to Scottish charities.

Sovereignty

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to inform workers in the defence industry about the potential effect of Scottish independence on jobs.

David Mundell: In order to inform and support the debate on Scotland's future, the Government is undertaking a programme of analysis examining how Scotland contributes to and benefits from being part of the UK, and how the rest of the UK. benefits from its partnership with Scotland.
	On 7 October, the UK Government published the “Scotland analysis: Defence” paper. This paper discussed the implications of independence on the defence sector. This included information on the defence industry and jobs based in Scotland.

Sovereignty

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to inform oil and gas workers about the potential effect of Scottish independence on jobs.

David Mundell: In order to inform and support the debate on Scotland's future, the Government is undertaking a programme of analysis examining how Scotland contributes to and benefits from being part of the UK, and how the rest of the UK benefits from its partnership with Scotland.
	The programme has published seven papers to date. The papers have analysed key economic, legal and defence issues. Future papers on further economic and wider policy issues will be released this year and through 2014 in the lead up to the referendum.

JUSTICE

County Courts

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  under what circumstances is it acceptable for a county court to disregard a practice direction;
	(2)  what procedure should occur if a county court declines to follow a practice direction;
	(3)  on how many occasions a County Court has refused to follow a practice direction in each of the last three years.

Shailesh Vara: The extent to which any of the provisions in a practice direction should be applied or disapplied in any individual case within a county court is a matter for the discretion of the judge, taking into consideration the circumstances of the case.
	Judges are required under Civil Procedure Rules to ensure that cases are conducted justly. They must bear this in mind when applying and interpreting both the Rules and the supplementary guidance such as practice directions.
	In dealing with a case justly, a judge must: ensure that both parties are on an equal footing; save expense; deal with cases proportionately in respect of the value of the case, the importance and complexity of the case and the financial position of each party; and ensure that cases are dealt with expeditiously and fairly; and that the appropriate share of the court's resources are allotted.
	If a party is dissatisfied with the decision of a judge there is certain action they can take depending on the circumstances of the case. They may make an application to the court, with reasons, to stay (halt proceedings) or vary a decision made by the judge. Alternatively, at the conclusion of proceedings or afterwards, they may request permission to appeal against the decision. Such an application or appeal may be opposed by the-other party(s) in the matter.
	As this is a matter for judicial discretion, we do not hold information on how many occasions a county court applies or disapplies a practice direction.

County Courts

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what action is open to litigants in the event of a county court being unwilling to investigate a possible false statement.

Shailesh Vara: A party, with permission, may make an application to commence contempt of court proceedings in respect of any statement made in a county court which the party believes to be false.
	The court may of its own initiative direct a matter to the Attorney-General with a request that the Attorney-General consider whether proceedings for contempt of court should be brought. Before making any such direction the court will have regard to the need to deal with the case justly and the concept of proportionality.

Criminal Proceedings

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what the average time taken is for each type of Class D criminal offence to reach court;
	(2)  what the average time taken is for each type of Class E criminal offence to reach court;
	(3)  what the average time taken is for each type of Class C criminal offence to reach court;
	(4)  what the average time taken is for each type of Class D criminal offence to reach court.

Shailesh Vara: The available information required to answer this question is currently being collated. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available. A copy will be placed in the House Library.

Magistrates

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what proportion of justices of the peace were (a) male, (b) female, (c) black, Asian and minority ethnic, (d) educated at the University of Oxford or University of Cambridge, (e) educated at other Russell Group universities, (f) educated at all other universities, (g) solicitors, (h) barristers and (i) Queen's Counsel in each year since 2003.

Shailesh Vara: A more diverse judiciary is important in retaining the public's confidence and trust in justice, and better reflecting the society it serves. This Government has made a number of changes through the Crime and Courts Act 2013 that we believe will promote judicial diversity. We have introduced part time working in the senior courts, including the Supreme Court, we have enabled the equal merit provision for judicial appointments to allow protected characteristics to be taken into account where two applicants are of equal merit, and a statutory duty for the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice to encourage judicial diversity.
	Data on the gender and ethnicity of magistrates are held by the Judicial Office and has been published since 2008. Data for 2003 to 2007 will require extraction from Judicial Office's magistrates' database. I will write to the right hon. Member when it becomes available.
	The Judicial Office does not collect data on the educational background of magistrates, or whether they are solicitors, barristers or Queen's Counsel. Gender and ethnicity data from 2008 to 2013 is available as follows:
	2013 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics
	2012 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics/magistrates-in-post-2012
	2011 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics/magistrates-in-post-2011
	2010 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics/magistrates-in-post-2010
	2009 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics/magistrates-in-post-2009
	2008 data
	http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/statistics/magistrates-statistics/magistrates-in-post-2008

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many foreign national prisoners who have completed their sentences are resident in prisons in the UK.

Mark Harper: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Home Department.
	For the week commencing 9 September 2013, there were 979 immigration detainees in prisons.
	Please note that the data includes a small number of individuals who have never served a custodial sentence. These individuals present specific risk factors that indicate they pose a serious risk of harm to the public or to the good order of an Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), including the safety of staff and other detainees, which cannot be managed within the regime applied in IRCs.
	In-order to extract the small number of cases who have not served a custodial sentence would incur a disproportionate cost as this would involve looking at individual records.

Work Capability Assessment: Appeals

Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average time between submission of an appeal to Department for Work and Pensions on a work capability decision until a decision is issued by HM Courts and Tribunals Service has been since September 2011.

Shailesh Vara: The First-tier Tribunal—Social Security and Child Support, administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions' decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance, decisions in which the work capability assessment is a key factor, rather than appeals against WCA decisions themselves.
	HMCTS does not, therefore, hold the information requested.

DEFENCE

Armed Conflict: Libya

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many investigations his Department has carried out into reported civilian casualties that might have involved British assets during the NATO campaign in Libya. [R]

Mark Francois: The NATO operations in Libya in 2011 were committed to enforcing the UN mandate to protect civilians. As the Government stated at the time, we regret any loss to civilian life; operations were only conducted against legitimate military targets and the utmost care was taken to seek to avoid civilian casualties at all times.
	All allegations of civilian casualties involving UK forces are thoroughly investigated. However, verification is often hindered by the complexity and risk that would be involved in collecting robust data. This was particularly the case for operations in Libya, where an absence of UK ground forces meant contemporaneous verification from within the country was practically impossible.
	The Ministry of Defence is satisfied that all UK assets that were involved in the NATO campaign operated in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict, the UN Security Council Resolution and UK Rules of Engagement.

Billing

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque.

Mark Francois: The number of individual invoices paid electronically or by cheque is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The proportion of total payments made electronically and by cheque during financial year 2012-13 was 99.41% and 0.59 % respectively.
	Information regarding the average cost to pay an invoice is currently being collated as part of a pan-Government benchmarking exercise. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as it is available.
	Substantive answer from Anna Soubry to Mike Freer:
	My predecessor (Mark Francois) undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question about bill payments on 4 July 2013 (Official Report, column 777W-778W).
	The average cost of processing an invoice through the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Bills system for financial year 2012-13 was £1.79. The MOD has recently participated in a central Government benchmarking exercise and this data has been taken from the confirmed position.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Philip Dunne: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois), to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) on 30 January 2013, Official Report, columns 804-05W.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which company supplied (a) gas and (b) electricity to his Department in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Philip Dunne: Suppliers of gas and electricity to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Location/utility 2010-11 suppliers 2011-12 suppliers 
			 UK Mainland—Gas Total Gas and Power Total Gas and Power 
			 UK Mainland—Electricity SSE Energy British Gas SSE Energy British Gas 
			    
			 Northern Ireland—Gas Firmus Energy Airtricity Firmus Energy Airtricity 
			 Northern Ireland—Electricity Total Energy Viridian Energy Viridian Energy 
		
	
	Overseas locations are subject to local supply arrangements.
	In line with Cabinet Office policy, the MOD now utilises Government Procurement Service frameworks to leverage greater buying power across government. Over the last few years there has been a gradual transfer of MOD owned frameworks and contracts to these arrangements.

Gibraltar

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the UK military base in Gibraltar played in Operation Ellamy.

Mark Francois: A number of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels supporting Operation Ellamy spent time in Gibraltar for refuelling and resupply, as is normal for UK ships transiting into and out of the Mediterranean.

Military Bases: Northern Ireland

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many civilians died in each military establishment in Northern Ireland between 1 April and 30 September 2013; what the cause was of each death; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many civilians died in each military establishment in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; what the cause was of each death; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Murrison: None.

Military Bases: Northern Ireland

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many soldiers died in each military establishment in Northern Ireland between 1 April 2013 and 30 September 2013; what the cause was of each death; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many soldiers died in each military establishment in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; what the cause was of each death; and if he will make a statement.

Mark Francois: Official data is only currently released up to 31 December 2012. During this period six Army personnel have died on four military establishments in Northern Ireland. The establishments are Masserene Barracks, Antrim; Alexander Barracks, Aldergrove; Abercorn Barracks, Ballykinler; and Kinnegar Logistics Base.
	Due to the small numbers of personnel involved the breakdown by each year and the location of each death has not been provided. This is to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of individual identities which could cause upset and distress to relatives, to whom the MOD has a residual duty of care. This is in line with our usual policy in providing statistics.
	We are aware of a further death at Ballykinler Barracks in 2013, although this will not be included in official statistics until they are updated in March 2014.
	The causes of death for the six personnel are as follows:
	One person died due to diseases of the circulatory system.
	One person died due to other disease related conditions.
	One person died that was given a suicide or open verdict.
	Two people died due to violent causes.
	One person died, the official cause of which is subject to the outcome of the coroner's inquest.
	The causes of death have been presented in alignment with the National Statistics publication: Deaths in the UK Regular Armed Forces.

Military Exercises

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons his Department decided against purchasing land next to its Cape Wrath training range; and what costs were incurred in making that decision.

Andrew Murrison: The Ministry of Defence decided against purchasing the land next to Cape Wrath due to a number of reasons, including concerns over access, a sitting tenant and the potential listing of a building on site.
	No costs were incurred in making this decision.

Pensions

Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether the Government review of the MOD Police and Defence Fire and Rescue Service will take into account the physical implications of a higher retirement age for MDP and DFRS officers;
	(2)  whether the Government review of the MOD Police and Defence Fire and Rescue Service pensions will include analysis of the effect of bringing officers' pension age in line with Home Office officers on those joining the MDP in the future.

Andrew Murrison: The Ministry of Defence is currently preparing a report that will be laid before Parliament by 24 December 2013. It will consider the likely effect of section 10 of the Public Service Pensions Act:
	on the health and well being of members of the Defence Fire and Rescue Service and the Ministry of Defence Police;
	on the ability of the Defence Fire and Rescue Service and the Ministry of Defence Police to continue to meet operational requirements, and
	the extent to which members of the Defence Fire and Rescue Service and the Ministry of Defence Police are likely to take early retirement in consequence of section 10 (and on the consequences of taking early retirement for the persons taking it and the taxpayer).

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained and operational unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots there have been in the Army since 2004; and in which countries those pilots have flown UAVs. [R]

Mark Francois: I will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham of 31 October 2012, Official Report, column 297W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, how many unmanned aerial vehicles have been lost or damaged in such a way that they have been taken permanently out of use since their introduction by the RAF. [R]

Philip Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 31 October 2012, Official Report, column 297W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman Chishti). No further Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems have been taken permanently out of use.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Yardley of 25 March 2013, Official Report, column 939W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, what income his Department receives from the leasing of RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth to the United States. [R]

Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence does not charge the United States to use RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth; rather they are made available to the US under the terms of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Moray of 3 September 2012, Official Report, column 72W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, what the total budget for the Unmanned Air Systems Capability Development Centre will be in the next three financial years; and what proportion of such costs will be met by contributions in kind by industry. [R]

Philip Dunne: The Unmanned Air Systems Capability Development Centre (UAS CDC) is still in its two-year pilot phase, running until the end of this financial year. The pilot is based around existing facilities and funding with a small management team at Ministry of Defence (MOD) Boscombe Down.
	The case for an enduring capability within the existing weapons evaluation and capability assurance portfolio is in progress and details, including the budget for the next four financial years as part of the Long Term Partnering Agreement with QinetiQ, will be available in spring 2014. The cost of operating these elements from April 2014 is subject to ongoing negotiation with industry; I am therefore not in a position to release details of the total budget allocated at this stage. There will also be contributions in kind from MOD, industry and academia that have not yet been fully defined.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Romford of 10 June 2013, Official Report, column 18W, on unmanned air vehicles, how many tactical assessments have been carried out on unmanned aerial vehicles since October 2007; and if he will place copies of those assessments in the Library. [R]

Mark Francois: Tactical analysis and assessment is a continuous process at all levels of command; tactics and operating procedures are reviewed continually to ensure they adapt to changing threats and remain operationally effective.
	I am withholding all detailed tactical analysis undertaken by the UK Reaper Force as its disclosure would or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
	However, the ongoing conduct and broad scope of tactics utilised by all UK forces on Op Herrick has been routinely scrutinised during inquiries undertaken by the House of Commons Defence Committee.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 September 2013, Official Report, column 798W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, if he will place a copy of the current operating procedures developed for the UK Reaper Squadrons in the Library. [R]

Mark Francois: No. I am withholding details of the operating procedures for UK Reaper Squadrons as its disclosure would or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 September 2013, Official Report, column 798W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, which other aspects of the Reaper Agreement are currently the subject of review. [R]

Mark Francois: All aspects of the Reaper Agreement are maintained under continuous review.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 12 September 2013, Official Report, column 798W, on unmanned aerial vehicles, what the (a) location, (b) cost and (c) rank of personnel is of each UK Reaper Force Squadron. [R]

Mark Francois: The UK Reaper Force Squadrons are based at Creech Air Force Base, USA (39 Squadron) and RAF Waddington (13 Squadron) in the UK.
	The location and ranks of personnel are shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Service and rank Creech—USA RAF Waddington—UK 
			 RAF   
			 Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) Yes Yes 
			 Corporal (Cpl) Yes Yes 
			 Sergeant (Sgt) Yes Yes 
			 Flight Sergeant (FS) Yes Yes 
			 Warrant Officer (WO) Yes Yes 
			 Flying Officer (Fg Off) Yes Yes 
			 Flight Lieutenant (Fit Lt) Yes Yes 
			 Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Yes Yes 
			 Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Yes Yes 
			 Royal Navy   
			 Petty Officer (PO) No Yes 
			 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Yes Yes 
			 Lieutenant (Lt) Yes No 
			    
			 British Army   
			 Corporal (Cpl) Yes No 
			 Sergeant (Sgt) Yes No 
			 Captain (Capt) Yes No 
		
	
	The staff support costs attributable to 39 Squadron and 13 Squadron for financial year 2012-13 were some £14 million in total.

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Afghanistan

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of targeting decisions for the UK unmanned aerial vehicles in Afghanistan have been based on pattern of life analysis. [R]

Mark Francois: Strikes are always prosecuted in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict and UK Rules of Engagement. Targets are always positively identified as legitimate military objectives before strikes are authorised by a trained pilot. Pattern of life is just one part of the process that achieves a positive identification. I am withholding further details as their disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Syria

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions officials of his Department have had with their EU counterparts on the supply of armed and unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles to the Syrian opposition. [R]

Mark Francois: Ministry of Defence officials have had no discussions with their EU counterparts on the supply of armed or unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles to the Syrian opposition.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people have applied to the Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund to date; and how many such applications have been successful;
	(2)  whether grants from the Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund can be applied for to pay upfront costs of participating in a political party's selection process;
	(3)  how many people who were recipients of Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund grants have stood for office; and for which political party since the Fund's establishment.

Helen Grant: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Government Equalities Office.
	The Access to Elected Office for Disabled People Fund helps disabled people seeking elected office with any additional disability-related cost they incur as a result of either participating in a political party's selection process or standing for election, including standing as an independent candidate, for example paying for sign language interpretation or meeting extra travel costs.
	It is possible for applicants to have up-front costs paid, although grant payments are generally processed in arrears.

Child Benefit

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria his Department uses to assess who the main carer of a child is when that child's parents live separately but share parenting.

Steve Webb: In cases assessed under the 1993, 2003 and 2012 statutory child maintenance schemes, where care of a child is shared then the parent who receives child benefit will be treated as the main carer for child maintenance purposes.
	However, in the 2012 statutory child maintenance scheme, where it is agreed or can be shown that both parents have equal day to day care of the child, then the case would not be eligible for the 2012 scheme.
	Equal day to day care is not the same as an equal number of nights spent with each parent and includes other factors such as who makes the main spending decisions and who takes the main responsibility for arranging things such as child care, schooling or medical appointments.

Employment and Support Allowance

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what advice about alternative support his Department gives to applicants for employment and support allowance whose claims are disallowed; and if he will make a statement.

Esther McVey: Where a claim for employment and support allowance is unsuccessful, or entitlement ceases, a written notification is sent to-the claimant. Notifications include relevant information about claiming other benefits such as jobseeker's allowance, working tax credit, income support, pension credit, housing benefit and help with the council tax.
	Additionally, where employment and support allowance is disallowed following a work capability assessment, claimants are advised about claiming other benefits in a decision assurance phone call. This call is made at the point the decision maker is considering disallowing employment and support allowance. If claimants want to claim jobseeker's allowance they are asked if they want to be transferred to a contact centre to make the claim. They are advised that they will be supported by a trained personal adviser who will assess their needs in order to identify the appropriate support to help them find employment.

Employment and Support Allowance

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of employment and support allowance assessment decisions he estimates will be changed as part of the mandatory reassessment process; what he expects the (a) average and (b) maximum timeframe for reassessments to be; and when he intends to publish an evaluation of the success of the mandatory reassessment process.

Michael Penning: The Department has not set an expectation regarding the proportion of decisions that will be revised through mandatory reconsideration. Each case must be judged on the evidence provided in light of the relevant regulations. Setting an expectation relating to the volume of cases could send the wrong message to decision makers.
	There are no plans to introduce a timescale for completion of the mandatory reconsideration process; however, the process will be monitored to ensure the Department delivers the best customer service. The time it takes to complete a mandatory reconsideration will vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but DWP will contact the claimant once the mandatory reconsideration process is complete.
	The Department will consider a range of measures to monitor the mandatory reconsideration process, including the volume of requests, outcomes, the time taken to deliver the process and subsequent appeal volumes. There are no current plans to publish an evaluation of mandatory reconsideration; however, the Department will consider an ad-hoc publication of data during 2014-15.

Hearing Impairment

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the provision of communication and language support available for deaf people using Government services.

Michael Penning: There is a wide range of support for deaf people available across Government. In my new role as Minister of State for Disabled People I will be considering the current position and what more might be done. More information on this support can be found at:
	www.gov.uk

Mental Illness

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has signed up to the Time to Change Initiative to end mental health discrimination.

Michael Penning: As both a service provider and employer the Department for Work and Pensions is committed to actively eliminating stigma around mental health and to tackling mental health discrimination.
	We have publicly signalled our commitment to the Time to Change (TTC) Initiative and are currently progressing the associated action plan with relevant TTC representatives.

Occupational Pensions

Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of reports that pensions providers are refusing low-paid employees pensions under the auto-enrolment scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: It has always been recognised that the commercial pension market would not be able to serve the whole automatic enrolment population at reasonable cost and this is particularly true for low to moderate earners.
	This is why the Government has established the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) with a public service obligation to ensure all employers have access to a low-cost pension scheme to meet-their duties. It must accept all workers automatically enrolled by an employer using it to meet their duties, regardless of their earnings. NEST already has 1,500 participating employers and over half a million members.

Poverty: Children

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to respond to the consultation, Measuring Child Poverty: A consultation on better measures of child poverty, published on 15 November 2012, Cm. 8483.

Esther McVey: Government is committed to developing better measures, which include, but go beyond income to provide a more accurate picture of the reality of child poverty and drive policies which transform lives rather than chasing moving lines.
	This is a highly complex issue that we are determined to get right and we will publish our response in due course.

Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people that have been (a) granted and (b) refused the discretionary payment with regards to the under-occupancy penalty in (i) Glasgow North West constituency, (ii) Glasgow, (iii) Scotland and (iv) the UK.

Steve Webb: The Department is collecting six-monthly returns detailing DHP awards in each local authority. This includes the number of awards granted, but not the number that have been refused. We are currently gathering this information and performing the necessary quality assurance checks.

Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much of the discretionary payment budget available to those affected by the under-occupancy penalty has been used in (a) Glasgow City, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK to date.

Steve Webb: The Department has requested that local authorities provide a six monthly return detailing DHP awards in their area. We are currently gathering this information and performing the necessary quality assurance checks.
	This year, in addition to the original government contribution, local authorities are able to bid for funding from a £20 million reserve fund. The scheme is open to bids until 3 February 2014.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of how many people will be claiming universal credit in April 2014;
	(2)  what proportion of potential claimants he expects to be claiming universal credit in 2015;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of how many people will claim universal credit in the pathfinder sites;
	(4)  what estimate he has made of how many people will be claiming universal credit by December 2014.

Esther McVey: I refer the right hon. lady to the reply the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Fareham (Mr Hoban) provided to the right hon. Member for East Ham (Stephen Timms) on 16 July 2013, Official Report, column 660W.

Universal Credit

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of universal credit claimants can currently make a claim online.

Esther McVey: All currently eligible claimants can make their claim to universal credit online, and the overwhelming majority are doing so.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of service to Work programme participants during market shift action.

Esther McVey: Market share shift applies to new Work programme referrals only. Adjustment to referral ratios was implemented from 5 August 2013 and there has been no disruption to continuity of service for Work programme participants.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those referred to the Work programme since June 2011 had been in receipt of employment and support allowance.

Esther McVey: The proportion of those referred to the Work programme since June 2011 that have had been in receipt of employment and support allowance is 15%.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid in outcome payments to Work programme providers in each month since June 2011; and, in each such month, what proportion was in respect of recipients of employment and support allowance.

Esther McVey: Outcome payments to Work programme providers in the UK from June 2011 to June 2013, the period covered by the September 2013 official statistics release, totalled £198 million of which £8 million was in respect of claimants in the ESA payment groups (Groups 5, 6 and 7).

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts: Young People

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  how many 16 to 24-year-olds participated in or accessed (a) dance or singing, (b) playing a musical instrument or writing music, (c) theatre, (d) opera/musical theatre, (e) carnival or circus, (f) street art, (g) visual art and photography, (h) film or video, (i) craft, (j) creative writing and (k) another cultural event in each year between 2009-10 and 2012-13;
	(2)  how many school age children participated in or accessed (a) dance or singing, (b) playing a musical instrument or writing music, (c) theatre, (d) opera/musical theatre, (e) carnival or circus, (f) street art, (g) visual art and photography, (h) film or video, (i) craft, (j) creative writing and (k) another cultural event in each year between 2009-10 and 2012-13.

Edward Vaizey: holding answer 29 October 2013
	Data at this level of detail are not published and require special analysis, and in order to release these data to the same standard as other published Taking Part data (i.e. including significant testing) we would need more time, but will deposit it in the House of Commons Library as soon as we have run the analysis.

Broadband: Northamptonshire

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in rolling out broadband to the (a) towns and (b) villages in Northamptonshire.

Edward Vaizey: The Northamptonshire project signed its contract with BT in March 2013 to upgrade around 53,000 premises to superfast broadband. The project is in the final stages the detailed planning and survey phase and will shortly be entering the build phase with the first cabinet due to go live in early 2014.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Helen Grant: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport spent the following on gas and electricity:
	(i) 2010-11
	Gas: £18,010
	Electricity: £189,634.
	(ii) 2011-12
	Gas: £20,381
	Electricity: £199,743.

Energy

Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what costs were incurred by her Department's estate in respect of (a) gas and (b) electricity supply in the 2012-13 financial year.

Helen Grant: The following costs were incurred by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in the 2012-13 financial year:
	(a) Gas: £16,841
	(b) Electricity: £182,614.
	In the 2010-11 financial year the following costs were incurred:
	Gas: £18,010
	Electricity: £189,634.
	The Department has reduced its overall bills by reducing consumption.

Football

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what meetings her Department has had with (a) the FA, (b) UEFA and (c) FIFA on the issues of governance and corruption in the last three years.

Helen Grant: DCMS Ministers and officials have regular meetings with the national and international football authorities to discuss a range of issues including governance and the need to improve the management of the sport.

Leisure

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with local authorities on support for local projects.

Helen Grant: DCMS continues to work closely with local authorities on a range of projects. Ministers' meetings are published quarterly, in line with Cabinet Office guidance.

Public Libraries: Voluntary Work

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what recent discussions she has had with libraries about volunteer libraries failing to pay Public Lending Right fees;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to ensure that volunteer libraries pay Public Lending Right fees.

Edward Vaizey: holding answer 29 October 2013
	There has been no recent discussions with volunteer libraries about payment of Public Lending Right fees. The payment of the Public Lending Right is restricted to loans of books from public libraries. Book loans from university, college, school and other libraries including volunteer libraries that sit outside the statutory public library service do not qualify for payment. Where a library is run or managed by volunteers and forms part of a library authority's statutory provision, then PLR applies and authors are recompensed for the loan. Further details of the PLR scheme are available at:
	https://www.gov.uk/public-lending-right-how-it-applies

Sports: Barrow and Furness

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the proportion of (a) under 16, (b) 16 to 24, (c) 25 to 39, (d) 40 to 60 and (e) over 60 year olds who regularly take part in recreational sport in Barrow and Furness constituency; and what change there has been in these figures in the last three years.

Helen Grant: The Active People Survey measures the number of people aged 16 and above taking part in sport across England. For the Barrow-in-Furness local authority, the Active People Survey shows that:
	35.7% of people aged 16 and above playing sport regularly. This is an increase of 4.4% since 2010;
	65.5% of people aged 16 to 34 playing sport regularly. This is an increase of 12.7% since 2010;
	35.4% of people aged 35 to 54 playing sport regularly. This is an increase of 1.2% since 2010; and
	16% of the population aged 55+ playing sport regularly. This is a decrease of 2.6% since 2010.

Sports: Females

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the proportion of Sport England funding allocated to each funded sport which is spent on encouraging greater participation by women.

Helen Grant: Sport England is investing almost £500 million in 46 sport’s national governing bodies. Sports popular with women have received increased funding, e.g. netball (£25 million), athletics (£22 million), equestrianism (£6 million), swimming (£20 million) and tennis (£17 million). Full details of Sport England's investment targets for sports are available on their website:
	www.sportengland.org

Sports: Public Participation

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria relating to increasing the participation of (a) women, (b) people with physical or learning disabilities and (c) people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups are included as part of the bidding process for Sport England funding.

Helen Grant: All applicants for Sport England funding must demonstrate that the investment will benefit the whole community, as well as evidence of need, impact, and sustainability. Sport England runs a number of programmes specifically designed to create opportunities to more women (Active Women) and people with disabilities (the Inclusive Sport Fund) to take up and enjoy sport. Those bidding to these programmes must provide evidence of the number of women and disabled people their project will engage.
	There are no Sport England programmes specifically for BME groups as the sports participation by these groups is in line with the general population.

Sports: Public Participation

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to promote participation in sport among (a) women, (b) people with physical or learning disabilities and (c) people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups; and what assessment she has made of trends in such participation since 2010.

Helen Grant: As part of the £l billion Youth and Community sport strategy, Sport England is investing:
	(i) in a number projects specifically targeting women and girls. These include:
	£2.3 million for a year-long pilot in Bury that is looking at ways to break down barriers and get the town's women more active and involved in sport. It's about listening and giving women what they want—whether that be Zumba classes or a game of rounders after they've dropped their children off at school. Best practice from this pilot could then be rolled out nationwide;
	100 “girls only” satellite clubs—community sports clubs in secondary schools for 11 to 25-year-olds. The ambition is to have 5,000 satellite clubs by 2017;
	£10 million to target women living in deprived areas, and women with children under the age of 16;
	£1.7 million to the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation.
	(ii) £170.8 million to promote participation by people with disabilities, including:
	£1.98 million to English Federation of Disability Sport;
	£1.37 million to seven National Disability Sports Organisations to provide disability and impairment expertise;
	£17.2 million Inclusive Sport fund to make sport a practical choice for disabled people;
	£1 million Get Equipped fund for specialist sports equipment.
	(iii) £1 million in its National Partner Sporting Equals to provide expertise to the national governing bodies of boxing, tennis, cricket, swimming and football on maximising the impact of their programmes in increasing the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic groups playing sport.
	The Active People Survey shows that since 2010:
	334,300 more women are playing sport once a week every week;
	208,000 more people with physical or learning disabilities are playing sport once a week every week;
	121,600 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups are playing sport once a week every week.

Tourism: Coastal Areas

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to promote tourism in seaside towns.

Helen Grant: Seaside tourism has been identified as a priority area for promotion and is highlighted within VisitEngland's thematic marketing campaigns. VisitEngland identified seaside tourism as an area that needed particular attention when it created the Strategic Framework for Tourism (2010-20) and accompanying Tourism Action Plans. Several seaside towns have also been involved in match-funded destination promotions using funding from the regional growth fund. Further to this, DCLG have a “Coastal Communities Fund”, which is designed to support the economic development of coastal communities. In 2012-13, the Government committed £23.7 million to support this fund, which has been increased to £27 million for 2013-14.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities 
	(1)  how much the Government Equalities Office spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12;
	(2)  who the provider was for (a) gas and (b) electricity for the Government Equalities Office in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12;
	(3)  what steps the Government Equalities Office is taking to reduce the cost of its gas and electricity provision.

Helen Grant: The information requested is not available as the GEO has always been based within other departmental buildings and their bills are not calculated separately. Current initiatives to reduce the cost of gas and electricity are handled independently of GEO by the building management.

Television: Licensing

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities if she will discuss with TV Licensing what proportion of people prosecuted for television licence non-payment are women.

Helen Grant: TV licensing is the responsibility of the BBC, which operates independently of Government. I have no plans to discuss this matter with TV Licensing.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Police Service of Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the talks facilitated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in Cardiff on parading and protesting.

Theresa Villiers: The immediate result of the Cardiff Talks weekend in May was a statement from participants setting out agreed principles and which recognised and supported the PSNI’s responsibility to uphold the law.
	This was helpful in advance of the parading season, though the events of 12th July and the following days show that significant issues remain to be resolved. A number of these are now being considered in the Haass talks.
	I am encouraged that the group that met in Cardiff has since reconvened several times and appears to be regarded by those involved as a useful forum for communication and sharing information. Improving communication between key stakeholders and with the police was an important aim of the Cardiff event.

EDUCATION

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what reports his Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has not yet laid any reports before Parliament. The Department's annual report and accounts for 2012-13 is expected to be published in December 2013. A report on any grants paid under section 70 of the Charities Act 2006 will be laid at the same time.

Children's Rights

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps the Government is taking to implement the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child—General Comment No. 17, published April 2013, on the right of the child to rest, leisure, play, recreational activities, cultural life and the arts (Article 31).

Edward Timpson: The Government is committed to making further progress on implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), by ensuring that due consideration is given to the UNCRC Articles when developing new policies and legislation.
	The Government is currently preparing its five-yearly report to the UN Committee on implementation of the UNCRC in the round and has published a draft report for comment by the key children's organisations and the Joint Committee on Human Rights A detailed summary of the action being taken in respect of Article 31 can be found in chapter 6 of the draft report.(1)
	(1)http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/healthandwellbeing/b0074766/uncrc/call-for-views

Education: Qualifications

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of pupils at (a) local authority maintained schools, (b) sponsored academies, (c) converter academies, (d) free schools, (e) university technical colleges, (f) studio schools and (g) independent schools achieved (i) five GCSEs A* to C including English and mathematics and (ii) the English Baccalaureate in the academic year 2012-13.

David Laws: The requested information is published in the '2013 GCSE and equivalent results including key stage 3 provisional(1) statistical first release. The information is available in table 3a in the "Main tables: SFR40/2013" document.
	Please note that the statistical first release does not provide a split for pupils in free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools. These institution types have been grouped together due to the small number of schools in these categories.
	(1)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2013-gcse-and-equivalent-results-including-key-stage-3-provisional

Email

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for how long emails (a) sent and (b) received are retained on his Department's systems; what the internal process is for retrieving and searching such emails; and if he will make a statement.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not stipulate how long e-mails should be retained and expects officials to use their judgment based on the content of the e-mail. The Department has no central facility for searching every e-mail, though all officials have the facility to search their own e-mails at any time.
	The Department has policies and guidance for the retention of information, including e-mails, relating to the work of the Department, that should be retained as a formal record. These retention policies are based on guidance from the National Archives and apply to all records regardless of medium or format. The management of information and records is the responsibility of all individual staff members. Guidance is published on the intranet and available to all staff. Records within the Electronic Document and Records Management system can be searched and retrieved centrally.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to reduce its spending on (a) gas and (b) electricity.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has reduced its expenditure on gas and electricity primarily through adopting low and no cost energy efficiency measures, estate rationalisation (by using space more efficiently and co-locating with other organisations), and by operating its remaining buildings even more efficiently.
	As part of its energy efficiency programme, the Department has achieved a 29% reduction in its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from travel and energy use, or 6,594 CO2e tonnes, against a 2009-10 baseline. This has led to significant financial savings of approximately £1.1 million to the Department's annual energy bill.
	The Department purchases its energy through Government Procurement Service (GPS) frameworks which are let following extensive market competition and EU wide tender processes to guarantee the best prices for energy. The bulk of central Government energy is aggregated under GPS frameworks, which enables the GPS Energy Team to engage directly with the energy markets to achieve best value and price for the taxpayer.

Free Schools

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of free schools that have had section 5 Ofsted inspections to date have been classified (a) outstanding, (b) good, (c) requires improvement and (d) inadequate.

David Laws: 25 free schools have been inspected by Ofsted under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. The inspection outcomes are as follows:
	1. Outstanding: 4 schools (16%)
	2. Good: 14 schools (56%)
	3. Requires improvement: 5 schools (20%)
	4. Inadequate: 2 schools (8%)

Internet: Bullying

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to tackle cyber-bullying; and what financial support her Department gives to anti-bullying charities to reduce this problem.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government is aware that bullying via social media sites is a growing problem among young people and in our schools. We believe that schools, parents and internet providers all have a role to play in keeping children and young people safe online.
	This is why every school must have a behaviour policy, which includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying. To help schools develop their anti-bullying measures, the Department updated its advice to schools in 2011. This advice gives schools the flexibility to develop their own measures to prevent and tackle bullying. Ofsted hold schools to account for how well they do this. Since January 2012, school inspectors have had to consider types, rates and patterns of bullying and the effectiveness of the school's actions to prevent and tackle bullying, including cyberbullying.
	The Government has also introduced wider search powers in the Education Act 2011. To give teachers stronger powers to tackle cyberbullying, the Act gives teachers a specific power to search for and, if necessary, delete inappropriate images or files on electronic devices, including mobile phones.
	Educating young people about online safety is key to tackling cyberbullying. From September 2014, pupils in all four key stages will be taught about e-safety as part of the new curriculum. This will empower young people to tackle cyberbullying through responsible, respectful and secure use of technology, as well as ensuring that pupils are taught age-appropriate ways of reporting any concerns they may have about what they see or encounter online.
	The Government expects all social media to have simple mechanisms for reporting abuse, to take action promptly when abuse is reported and to make it easier for users to turn off anonymous posts. The Government has pressed for progress through the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS). UKCCIS brings together the most important internet organisations, such as Facebook and Microsoft, as well as Ministers, and works to protect children online.
	The Department is also providing £4 million of funding over two years from 2013 to four anti-bullying organisations. These are Beatbullying, the Diana Award, Kidscape and the National Children's Bureau consortium. While this funding has been awarded to specific projects to reduce bullying in general, this can, and does, include work to tackle cyberbullying.

Pupils: Bullying

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many incidents of bullying between pupils were recorded in schools in each local authority area in the last five years.

Elizabeth Truss: The Department does not collect information on the number of incidents of bullying. Information is, however, collected on the reasons for pupil exclusion. The numbers, by local authority area, of permanent and fixed period exclusions classified as relating to bullying for 2007/08 to 2011/12 are shown in the following table, a copy of which has been placed in the House Library.
	All bullying is totally unacceptable. It is for head teachers to consider whether a pupil should be given a fixed period exclusion, a permanent exclusion or other disciplinary penalty, taking account of the severity and circumstances of the incident.

Pupils: Hearing Impairment

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on the use of Ofsted to inspect and report upon all arrangements for the teaching of deaf children in schools.

Edward Timpson: The Ofsted inspection framework, introduced in September 2012, places a clear emphasis on meeting the needs of disabled pupils and pupils with special educational needs (SEN), such as deaf pupils. Inspectors must consider the quality of teaching and the progress made by these pupils.
	Where a school has a specialist resource base or 'integrated unit' for deaf children, or for other forms of SEN, these are covered as part of the inspection.
	Ofsted also inspects special schools, which provide support for deaf children and others who may currently have a statement of SEN.
	This means that any deaf child in a mainstream or specialist school would have their education inspected as part of the Ofsted section 5 framework.

Pupils: Hearing Impairment

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of data sets available to local authorities for accurately identifying children who are deaf;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to improve collection of data on deaf children in England.

Edward Timpson: It is for local authorities to collect the necessary data on deaf children to allow them to fulfil their duties under special educational needs (SEN) and disability legislation.
	The Department for Education collects data through the statutory school census. This provides information on the number of children in each school who have a hearing impairment as their primary type of need, and who receive specialist support. It also provides data on attainment, absence and exclusions. This data is published annually in ‘Children with Special Educational Needs: An Analysis’. The most recent data was published on 23 October 2013.
	We intend to collect this data on a broader group of pupils with hearing impairment as part of the Government's reform of the SEN system.
	The Department for Education also funds the National Sensory Impairment partnership (NatSIP) to support local authorities to benchmark their support services for deaf children, as well as improve the collection and use of data. NatSIP is currently working with the Consortium for Research in Deaf Education to improve the range of data available.

Special Educational Needs: Lancashire

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what education schemes he has funded to promote literacy skills for (a) children and (b) adults with a severe learning or physical disability in (i) Ribble Valley constituency and (ii) Lancashire in the last five years.

Edward Timpson: The Department for Education has funded a number of programmes to promote literacy for children and young people with a learning difficulty or disability. Grant funding was provided to the Dyslexia Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Trust in 2011-13 to provide advice and information to schools, parents and young people on dyslexia and literacy. In 2013-15 the Trust is also funded through a contract to support the Government's special educational needs (SEN) reforms for children and young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties, and to provide information on training and effective approaches to identifying and supporting dyslexic pupils.
	Funding was provided to Dyslexia Action and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in 2011-13 to develop the ‘load2learn’ programme which has made more than 2,000 core texts available in flexible digital format to pupils across the country. Funding was also provided to the National Deaf Children's Society in 2011-13 to support their work in making schools more deaf-friendly, including guidance on teaching phonics to children with a hearing impairment.
	From September 2011 to October 2013 the Department has provided match-funding to all state-funded primary schools in England with key stage 1 pupils so that they can purchase effective systematic synthetic phonics products and training to support their teaching of early reading. From January 2013 the Department is also providing a literacy and numeracy catch-up premium to secondary schools, including special schools, for year 7 pupils who have not achieved level 4 at key stage 2 in reading and/or mathematics.
	Each of these programmes has offered support to schools across the country. It is up to individual schools to decide how to use their resources to support their teaching because schools are best placed to recognise the learning needs of their pupils, and to decide what support each child requires.
	In addition, the Government is fully funding basic English and mathematics courses for adults, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who lack those skills. Further Education provision is funded through the Adult Skills Budget and eligible providers will be able to access this funding to meet the needs of local learners.
	We also provide Learning Support funding to colleges and providers to help them meet the costs of reasonable adjustments as set out in the Equality Act 2010. Learning Support is available to meet the additional needs of learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities so that they can participate fully in education and training and have the support required to achieve basic English and mathematics qualifications.

Vocational Guidance

Steven Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of careers advice and guidance at schools and colleges of further education.

Matthew Hancock: The Department commissioned Ofsted to conduct a thematic review to assess early progress on implementation of the legal duty on schools to secure access to independent and impartial careers guidance. This report was published on 10 September. Ofsted found that, while-some schools have responded well to the new duty, the majority of schools need to have higher ambitions for their students and place inspiring careers support at the heart of what they do. Further education colleges were not included in the Ofsted review because the legal duty was only extended to cover 16 to 18-year-olds in further education from September 2013.
	Ofsted have confirmed that the provision of careers guidance and destinations of pupils will be given higher priority in their school inspections for the 2013/14 academic year. Ofsted also evaluate learner progression to courses leading to higher-level qualifications and into jobs that meet local and national needs, as part of their college inspections.
	The Government publishes Destination Measures showing the percentage of students progressing from school or college to further or higher education, employment or training. These show how effective schools are in supporting pupils to move successfully into the next phase of their education or into sustainable work, including through the provision of independent careers guidance.
	The Government responded to Ofsted's report on 10 September, publishing a vision statement for careers inspiration and an action plan outlining how we intend to take forward their recommendations. Both documents have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how much his Department spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12;
	(2)  which company supplied (a) gas and (b) electricity to his Department in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12;
	(3)  what steps his Department is taking to reduce its spending on (a) gas and (b) electricity.

Brandon Lewis: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) on 30 October 2013, Official Report, columns 463-65W.

Non-domestic Rates

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities have used powers under section 69 of the Localism Act 2011 to grant business rate relief since April 2012; and what the total value is of such relief granted by each authority.

Brandon Lewis: Details of the local authorities in England that used powers under section 69 of the Localism Act 2011 to grant business rate relief in 2012-13 and the total value of the relief granted is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Amount of relief granted (£) 
			 Barnsley 205,900 
		
	
	
		
			 Basildon 19,900 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 24,900 
			 Birmingham 438,400 
			 Blaby 40,800 
			 Blackpool 14,500 
			 Bromsgrove 121,400 
			 Cheltenham 2,700 
			 Corby 6,700 
			 Cornwall 110,100 
			 Dartford 38,300 
			 Dover 36,500 
			 East Devon 115,800 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 357,100 
			 Enfield 13,000 
			 Fareham 68,200 
			 Fylde 7,600 
			 Gedling 78,200 
			 Gosport 31,600 
			 Great Yarmouth 96,600 
			 Halton 79,500 
			 Hartlepool 38,200 
			 Havering 358,200 
			 Herefordshire 388,000 
			 Hertsmere 70,200 
			 High Peak 61,100 
			 Huntingdonshire 561,700 
			 Kingston upon Thames 120,700 
			 Leeds 55,000 
			 Manchester 45,100 
			 Medway 245,100 
			 Mid Devon 42,900 
			 Middlesbrough 20,100 
			 Milton Keynes 8,000 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme 40,400 
			 Newham 151,500 
			 North Warwickshire 25,400 
			 Northampton 1,555,100 
			 Northumberland 11,100 
			 Pendle 111,700 
			 Purbeck 1,600 
			 Rotherham 378,000 
			 Sevenoaks 100,000 
			 S hep way 700 
			 South Derbyshire 2,200 
			 South Ribble 98,400 
			 South Staffordshire 54,000 
			 South Tyneside 314,300 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands 77,700 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 8,500 
			 Stroud 48,900 
			 Suffolk Coastal 148,100 
			 Sunderland 36,600 
			 Vale of White Horse 59,900 
			 West Berkshire 52,700 
			 West Dorset 116,700 
			 Weymouth and Portland 36,000 
			 Wigan 666,600 
			 Wycombe 216,400 
			 Total England 8,234,500 
		
	
	Data were collected on the national non-domestic rates (NNDR3) out-turn form which is completed annually by all billing authorities in England. These forms had not been certified by auditors. Data from auditor certified forms are currently being collected and will be published later in 2013. The final outturn figures may therefore be slightly different to these provisional figures.

Regeneration: Coastal Areas

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to support regeneration projects in seaside towns.

Kris Hopkins: My Department is working across Government to promote economic growth and regeneration in coastal and seaside towns. The Coastal Communities Fund was launched in 2012 to invest in projects supporting growth and jobs in coastal communities so they are better able to respond to local needs and opportunities. 26 projects approved in its first year are expected to deliver around 5,000 jobs and support more than 300 new business start-ups. We will be announcing a further round of grant awards to successful projects shortly.
	A range of other funding schemes supported by the Government are helping growth and regeneration projects in coastal communities, including the Regional Growth Fund, European Regional Development Fund, Growing Places Fund, and the Portas Pilots and Towns Teams set up to breathe new life into struggling high streets.
	We have put civic leaders, local residents and businesses in the driving seat by giving them a wide toolkit of powers, flexibilities and incentives to help drive growth and regeneration in their area, including seaside towns. Many local enterprise partnerships have prioritised investment in growth and regeneration projects in their coastal communities. They will benefit from the Single Local Growth Fund to be introduced from 2015 onwards.

Social Rented Housing

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on their surveying and monitoring activity within social housing in cases of suspected tenancy breach.

Kris Hopkins: This Department is taking tough action to help local authorities and other social landlords deal effectively with those who breach and abuse their tenancies. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 has made the unauthorised subletting of social homes a criminal offence. Provisions in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill will make it easier for landlords to evict their most antisocial tenants.
	We expect, in investigating cases where tenants are suspected of breaching their tenancies, local authorities to act in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and any other relevant legislation.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate Change Levy

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will set out the levy control framework totals for schemes funded under the low carbon levy for the years 2015-16 to 2020-21; and how much of each such total is estimated to be paid to continuing schemes and amounts payable for new entrants in each year in this period.

Michael Fallon: The Levy Control Framework totals for schemes funded under the low carbon levy in the years 2015-16 to 2020-21 are as follows (in 2011-12 prices):
	
		
			  £ billion 
			 2015-16 4.30 
			 2016-17 4.90 
			 2017-18 5.60 
			 2018-19 6.45 
			 2019-20 7.00 
			 2020-21 7.60 
		
	
	Under current policy instruments, feed-in tariffs (FITs) and the renewables obligation, the amount of direct support predicted to be provided to UK renewables is as follows:
	Under feed-in tariffs the support level for generation in 2012-13 is around £477 million in 2011-12 prices. This figure is provisional, and the final figure is due for publication in December.
	For the renewables obligation, the 2014-15 obligation has been set at 72.3 million ROCs. Using the 2011-12 ROC price (£38.69) this gives a total spend, in 2011-12 prices, of £2,796 million in 2014-15.
	Together, these two figures provide an estimate of the amount of funding under the LCF that is to be paid for continuing schemes, currently supported under FITs (as of the end of 2012-13) and expected to be supported under the RO (as of the end of 2014-15). These figures will be a slight underestimate, because projects coming on line in 2012-13 for FITs and 2014-15 for the RO will not receive a full year of support, as they are only supported from the point at which they begin generating. In the following year they will be supported for the full year. Therefore, the total support for continuing schemes will be slightly higher than the figures given in the table.

Energy

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what progress has been made on Ofgem's proposal for a secure and private operating licence condition.

Michael Fallon: holding answer 30 October 2013
	Ofgem's consultation on Secure and Promote licence conditions closed on 9 August. It expects to make a decision on the proposals this autumn with a view to putting in place the relevant licence conditions by the end of the year.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to reduce its spending on (a) gas and (b) electricity.

Gregory Barker: Since 2011-12 DECC's estate has increased in order to accommodate the growth in staff numbers and this has had an effect on gas and electricity spend. However DECC continually aims to increase energy efficiency by taking steps to decrease our energy consumption and reduce our carbon impact.
	Previous work which has contributed to energy efficiency and cost savings has included:
	(1) Installation of a dedicated chiller for our IT systems which enables the main chillers which support the building to be switched off.
	(2) Development and enforcement of a heating and cooling policy.
	(3) Installation of a heat recovery system in the Whitehall Place canteen to keep it warm in winter thereby reducing the need for heating.
	(4) Installation of solar film to reduce solar heat gain, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning in summer.
	(5) Installation of radiator insulation panels in 55 Whitehall, reducing the need for increased heating in the winter.
	Current work on energy efficiency and cost savings includes:
	(1) The adoption of energy management system ISO50001.
	(2) Using the Mayor of London's RE:FIT programme. This scheme is designed to help public sector organisations achieve substantial financial savings, improve the energy performance of their buildings and reduce their CO2 footprint.
	(3) Undertaking a LED lighting trial with the ambition of rolling out energy efficient lighting.
	(4) Allowing opening of windows, where feasible, in Whitehall Place thereby reducing the need for air conditioning.

Energy: Billing

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will review whether charges applying to early removal from a fixed-term energy contract are proportionate.

Gregory Barker: holding answer 30 October 2013
	Ofgem has recently completed a thorough review of the retail energy market and introduced reforms so consumers face simpler tariff choices and receive clearer information. Ofgem found that a lack of transparency around termination fees hindered consumers' engagement in the market and that some suppliers were automatically rolling over consumers on fixed term contracts to new fixed term contracts.
	Under Ofgem's new rules suppliers will have to include key information about tariffs in a tariff information label, which will include any termination fee that suppliers charge on fixed term contracts. The tariff information label will appear on customers' bills and annual statements and marketing material about the tariff. Clearer information on termination fees will allow consumers to take them into account when they are considering switching.
	Ofgem's new rules will also prohibit suppliers from rolling over customers on fixed term contracts to another fixed term contract. They will be required to notify customers between 49 to 42 days before the end of the fixed term period. During this period customers cannot be charged a termination fee if they choose to switch.

Energy: Debts

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the number of people in fuel debt in each month since June 2010.

Gregory Barker: Data on the number of consumers in fuel debt are published by Ofgem on a quarterly basis. The following table shows the number of consumers in fuel debt since quarter 1 of 2010:
	
		
			 Number of domestic consumers repaying an energy debt 
			   Million 
			 Quarter and year Gas Electricity 
			 2010   
			 Q1 0.7 0.9 
			 Q2 0.8 1.0 
			 Q3 0.8 1.0 
			 Q4 0.7 0.9 
			    
			 2011   
			 Q1 0.7 0.9 
			 Q2 0.9 0.9 
			 Q3 0.8 0.9 
			 Q4 0.7 0.8 
			    
			 2012   
			 Q1 0.7 0.8 
			 Q2 0.8 0.9 
		
	
	In 2011 there were 3% of gas consumers and 3% of electricity consumers who were repaying an energy debt, according to Ofgem figures.
	This data relates to customers that have entered a specific formal arrangement with their supplier to repay outstanding arrears. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100,000 consumers and apply to Great Britain.
	The latest figures currently available are for quarter 2 of 2012. Data for quarters 3 and 4 of 2012 are due to be published by Ofgem in November 2013.
	The data is available on the Ofgem website:
	https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/about-us/how-we-work/working-consumers/supplier-performance-social-obligations#charts

Energy: North East

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the average change in energy bills has been for households in the (a) Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, (b) Tees Valley and (c) North East in each of the last five years.

Michael Fallon: holding answer 30 October 2013
	Stockton-on-Tees, the Tees Valley, and the North East of England are within the Public Electricity Supply (PES) region “North East”. The change in average annual energy bills over the last five years is shown in the following table for the North East PES region.
	
		
			  Gas bill (£) Electricity bill Total energy bill (£) Year on year change (%) 
			 2007 521 381 902  
			 2008 615 436 1,051 16 
			 2009 682 426 1,109 6 
			 2010 656 407 1,063 -4 
			 2011 712 440 1,152 8 
			 2012 787 469 1,257 9 
		
	
	These are based on an assumed annual consumption of 3,300 kWh of electricity and 18,000 kWh of gas per year. These estimates can be found in table 2.2.3 (electricity) and 2.3.3 (gas) of DECC's Quarterly Energy Prices publication.

Energy: Prices

Stephen McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of energy companies withdrawing their cheapest tariffs in order to comply with the requirement to offer all customers their lowest tariff.

Michael Fallon: There are backstop powers in the Energy Bill to ensure that Ofgem's important reforms to the retail domestic energy market are not frustrated or delayed.
	These reforms will require suppliers to limit the number of tariffs they offer to four per fuel and to move customers on poor value dead tariffs to the cheapest equivalent tariff, ensuring that all customers are on the cheapest tariff with their supplier that is in line with their preferences, such as a preference for a particular payment method or a fixed or variable rate tariff.

Energy: Prices

Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of people affected by price rises by (a) SSE, (b) Scottish Power, (c) Npower and (d) British Gas in (i) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, (ii) Renfrewshire, (iii) Scotland and (iv) the UK.

Michael Fallon: The winter 2013 round of price rises announced so far will affect consumers on variable tariffs. DECC estimates that one in six standard electricity consumers and one in five gas consumers were on fixed or capped tariffs in quarter two of 2013.
	According to Ofgem, four of the Big six suppliers who have increased prices (SSE, Scottish Power, Npower and British Gas) accounted for 70% of electricity customers and 77% of gas customers in June 2012.
	The following table shows the total number of domestic electricity meters for the areas of interest in 2011. The data are only available at local authority level and the UK total figure is an estimate. It is published as part of DECC sub-national statistics:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-electricity-consumption-data
	
		
			  Area Number of domestic electricity meters (1,000) 
			 Local authority East Renfrewshire 39 
			  Inverclyde 43 
			  Renfrewshire 90 
			    
			 County Renfrewshire 172 
			    
			 National Scotland 2,747 
			  UK 28,056

Energy: Prices

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of people affected by price rises by (a) SSE, (b) Scottish Power, (c) Npower and (d) British Gas in (i) Ribble Valley constituency, (ii) Lancashire and (iii) the UK.

Michael Fallon: The winter 2013 round of price rises so far announced will affect consumers on variable tariffs. DECC estimates that one in six standard electricity consumers and one in five gas consumers were on fixed or capped tariffs in quarter two of 2013.
	According to Ofgem, four of the Big 6 suppliers who have increased prices (SSE, Scottish Power, Npower and British Gas) accounted for 70% of electricity customers and 77% of gas customers in June 2012.
	The following table shows the total number of domestic electricity meters for the areas of interest in 2011. The UK total figure is an estimate. It is published as part of DECC sub-national statistics:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-electricity-consumption-data
	
		
			  Number of domestic electricity meters (thousand) 
			 Ribble Valley 24 
			 Lancashire 644 
			 UK 28,056

Energy: Unfair Practices

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many financial penalties have been levied on the six largest energy suppliers for unfair trading with small suppliers in the last year.

Michael Fallon: holding answer 30 October 2013
	To my knowledge, Ofgem has not imposed any financial penalties on the six largest energy suppliers for unfair trading with small suppliers in the last year.

Environment Protection

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with representatives of KFW in Germany on green investment in the UK.

Michael Fallon: All meetings held with external companies are published on the Department for Energy and Climate Change's website:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers-meeting-with-external-organisations

Green Deal Scheme

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people have agreed a Green Deal plan in (a) Doncaster, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) UK in the latest period for which figures are available.

Gregory Barker: The Department's latest monthly Green Deal/ECO statistical release, published on 17 October, showed that 954 Green Deal Plans in Great Britain had at least reached the 'quote accepted' stage by the end of September. Of those 954 Plans, 57 were 'live' with energy efficiency measures installed by the end of September.
	There have been 85,177 Green Deal Assessments lodged up to the end of September and research published on 17 September showed that 81% of households who had a Green Deal Assessment between April and June 2013 said they have, are getting or intend to install at least one energy saving measure using various forms of finance.
	The Department also publishes more detailed breakdowns on the Green Deal/ECO via a quarterly statistical series. The latest available information covers January to June 2013, and includes tables showing the number of Green Deal Assessments by parliamentary constituency, by nation and by region. In future, we intend to extend the analysis provided in quarterly releases as the data available increases and this will include a breakdown of information on Green Deal Plans.
	The latest monthly statistical release can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/green-deal-and-energy-company-obligation-eco-statistics
	The latest quarterly statistical release can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-deal-and-energy-company-obligation-eco-january-june-2013-statistics

Green Deal Scheme

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many households in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) nation and region of the UK have (i) signed up for a Green Deal plan and (ii) had measures installed under the Green Deal to date.

Gregory Barker: The Department's latest monthly Green Deal/ECO statistical release, published on 17 October, showed that 954 Green Deal Plans in Great Britain had at least reached the ‘quote accepted' stage by the end of September. Of those 954 Plans, 57 were ‘live' with energy efficiency measures installed by the end of September.
	There have been 85,177 Green Deal Assessments lodged up to the end of September and research published on 17 September showed that 81% of households who had a Green Deal Assessment between April and June 2013 said they have, are getting or intend to install at least one energy saving measure using various forms of finance.
	The Department also publishes more detailed breakdowns on the Green Deal/ECO via a quarterly statistical series. The latest available information covers January to June 2013, and includes tables showing the number of Green Deal Assessments by parliamentary constituency, by nation and by region. In future, we intend to extend the analysis provided in quarterly releases as the data available increases and this will include a breakdown of information on Green Deal Plans.
	The latest monthly statistical release can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/green-deal-and-energy-company-obligation-eco-statistics
	The latest quarterly statistical release can be found at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-deal-and-energy-company-obligation-eco-january-june-2013-statistics

Green Deal Scheme

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 22 October 2013, Official Report, columns 147-48W, on Green Deal scheme, what criteria his Department plans to use to evaluate the effectiveness of the £3 million advertising and awareness campaign to encourage Green Deal take-up.

Gregory Barker: The Department conducts regular tracking studies with consumers to monitor development of awareness and understanding of the Green Deal. The latest results are published at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-deal-household-tracker-survey-waves-1-and-2-report

Hinkley Point C Power Station

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what public consultation and what meetings with stakeholders his Department has held in the Republic of Ireland regarding the new nuclear plant at Hinkley Point.

Michael Fallon: holding answer 29 October 2013
	DECC has a regular forum for consulting with the Irish Government on nuclear matters. We consulted the Irish Government thoroughly on the potential impact on Ireland of the UK's new nuclear programme, which included Hinkley Point, and on our conclusion that there would be no significant impact and therefore no need for a transboundary consultation in the Republic of Ireland.

National Grid

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many short term operating contracts are held by the National Grid; and what the (a) capacity and (b) duration is of each such contract.

Michael Fallon: The information following is from National Grid and is based on a snapshot taken for the current Short Term Operating Reserve season (Season 7.4—23 September 2013 to 28 October 2013).
	STOR contracts (as of 23 October 2013)
	National Grid has awarded 152 individual contracts for Season 7.4, representing a total MW position of 3,136 MW. On a weekly basis National Grid looks to ensure that 2,300 MW is made available to their Control Room.
	47 of these contracts were tendered on a flexible basis and as a result may not be made available or have their availability accepted week to week. The flexible contracts represent 427 MW.
	STOR unit size (for contracts in place at 23 October 2013)
	The size of each individual site contracted for Season 7.4 ranges from between 3 MW to 300 MW. However, the bulk of sites are <50 MW. A high level breakdown is detailed as follows:
	
		
			 MW Range Number of STOR Sites Contracted in Season 7.4 MW Total in each range 
			 3 MW to 10 MW 67 405 MW 
			 11 MW to 20 MW 51 834 MW 
			 21 MW to 30 MW 12 303 MW 
			 31 MW to 50 MW 14 537 MW 
			 51 MW to 100 MW 4 260 MW 
			 100 MW + 4 797 MW 
		
	
	STOR contract duration (for contracts in place at 23 October 2013)
	389 MW of these contracts were signed under the Long Term STOR opportunity in 2010 and are on contract till March 2025.
	The remaining 2,747 MW are on contracts agreed under the standard, shorter duration (two year maximum), tender opportunity.

Offshore Industry

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he has made of the number of workers in the offshore oil and gas industry who are employed using daily agreements.

Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply 
	on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	No estimate has been made of the number of workers in the offshore oil and gas industry who are employed using daily agreements.

CABINET OFFICE

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what reports his Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

Nick Hurd: Reports laid by the Cabinet Office on Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13 are included in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225980/HC_15.pdf

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how much his Department spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12;
	(2)  what steps his Department is taking to reduce its spending on (a) gas and (b) electricity.

Francis Maude: These amounts are reported in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts:
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1012/hc09/0999/0999.pdf
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1213/hc00/0056/0056.pdf
	Since the last general election, my Department has consolidated its estate, disposing of a number of buildings, including Admiralty Arch which was essentially unoccupied. We report on our environmental performance here:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-greening-government-performance
	The Cabinet Office now purchases energy through the Crown Commercial Service. This was created to strengthen the government's approach to how it buys goods and services to maximise public sector buying power and generate savings for the taxpayer.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the Major Project Authority's reports into High Speed 2 before Report stage and Third Reading of the High Speed Rail (Preparation) Bill.

Francis Maude: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on 30 October 2013, Official Report, column 490W.

Public Records: Northern Ireland

Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the relevance of unreleased Cabinet Office historical documents relating to Northern Ireland held at Swadlincote to the work of the Historical Enquiries Team in investigating cases from the past; and whether he plans to release these records to the National Archive under the Public Records Act 1958.

Francis Maude: There are no Cabinet Office documents relating to Northern Ireland held at Swadlincote. Cabinet Office officials are assisting the Historical Enquiries Team.

Self-employed

Toby Perkins: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people were registered as self-employed for the first time in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) region of the UK in each month since January 2008.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Glen Watson, dated October 2013
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills how many people were registered as self-employed for the first time in each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) region of the UK in each month since January 2008 (173355).
	The ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics for areas below the UK following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions using the Annual Population Survey (APS). However, estimates of the number of people who were self-employed for the first time are not available from this source.
	National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at
	http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Aerospace Industry

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is taking to support local supply chains in the aviation sector and ensure that such manufacturing processes stay in the UK.

Michael Fallon: The Aerospace Industrial Strategy, published in March this year, sets out the actions Government and Industry are taking through the Aerospace Growth Partnership to secure and grow the UK's Aerospace sector. It includes actions designed to improve the sector's UK supply chain competitiveness. Including:
	Setting up the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) which represents a Government and industry commitment to invest £2 billion over seven years in aerospace research and development projects across the UK.
	Improving innovation in the supply chain by delivering a £40 million National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP). A joint Government and industry initiative designed to help supply chain companies develop new technologies and sales.
	A £6 million Government and industry funded bursary for 500 masters degrees in aerospace. The objective is to pinpoint and train future talent now to meet industry needs.
	These actions build on existing Government programmes to support business including, the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, the research and development tax credit and the Regional Growth Fund.

Airbus SAS

Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding from the public purse Airbus received in the latest period for which figures are available.

Michael Fallon: The Government has a number of funding arrangements with Airbus, many of them contractual and commercially sensitive. This includes grants and repayable loans to Government. The net position is that Airbus paid the UK Government just over £110 million in the financial year 2012-13.

Apprentices

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in (a) Wrexham constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK started an apprenticeship in (i) 2012 and (ii) 2013 to date.

Matthew Hancock: Information on the number of apprenticeship starts in England by geography is published in a supplementary table to a quarterly Statistical First Release (SFR):
	http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3DA49EDD-EC1F-4F37-8D7A-AC7A0F20E3E8/0/Oct2013_Apprenticeship_Starts.xls
	The Department does not collect further education information relating to the devolved Administrations.

Apprentices: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Peterborough have participated in the AGE 16 to 24 scheme to date; and how many and what proportion of such businesses were small and medium-sized enterprises.

Matthew Hancock: Provisional data show that between 1 February 2012 and 31 July 2013, 60 employer workplaces in Peterborough parliamentary constituency received payment to take on an apprentice through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE 16 to 24)(1). A further 20 workplaces have taken on an apprentice through AGE 16 to 24 but the apprentice has not yet been in post for 13 weeks for the employer to have been paid the £1,500 grant.
	(1)
	AGE 16 to 24 provides apprenticeship grants to employers with up to 1,000 employees. A breakdown of employers by employee size is not available.
	(1) Figure rounded to the nearest 10.

Business: Females

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in (a) Wrexham constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK were owned solely by women in the last five years.

Matthew Hancock: The most relevant source of information is the BIS Small Business Survey(1). Analysis of the survey data shows that in 2013 there were an estimated 979,000 “majority women owned” small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK, while 31,000 of these were located in Wales.
	These estimates are not detailed enough to provide figures for specific parliamentary constituencies, such as Wrexham.
	(1) However the survey can be used only to estimate the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (defined as a business with less than 250 employees) rather than all businesses that are “majority women owned” (defined as more than 50% of the business being owned by women).

Business: Government Assistance

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to support small businesses in (a) Wrexham constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK.

Matthew Hancock: Small businesses are vital to the economy and this Government is supporting them in many ways.
	Of course, economic stability, lower taxes, deregulation, and a culture of enterprise are vital to business growth.
	The home for Government services and information online is:
	www.gov.uk
	One of the tools available is the ‘Finance Finder;' a searchable database of publicly-backed sources of finance. The tool helps businesses to explore the full range of options available, from Government grants to investment finance available from Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.
	The BIS guide “SME access to finance schemes: measures to support small and medium-sized enterprise growth” is available on the same website by searching for the title and provides details on the main forms of public support available to businesses. The website:
	www.greatbusiness.gov.uk
	also provides support and advice for businesses trying to grow as well as for entrepreneurs starting out.
	In addition to on-line support, the Business Link Helpline is available to provide a quick response on queries about starting a business, or a personalised and in-depth advice service for more complex needs.
	Start-Up Loans are now available to anyone over the age of 18 starting a business (or in the early stages of doing so) but lacking access to the necessary finance or support to realise their ambitions. Further information can be found at:
	http://www.startuploans.co.uk
	For businesses ready to go further there is ‘GrowthAccelerator’—a £200 million programme for up to 26,000 high growth potential small and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with expertise and networks to achieve sustainable growth.

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what reports his Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

Jo Swinson: Reports laid by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on Charities Act 2006 in 2012/13 are included in BIS' Annual Report and Accounts at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bis-annual-report-and-accounts-2012-to-2013

Conditions of Employment

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the prohibition of the use of zero hours contracts.

Jo Swinson: BIS' recent review on zero hours contracts found that they suit some employers and individuals, but that there was also evidence of abuse in some instances.
	The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has announced that a consultation will take place in November to address the concerns identified in the recent review of zero hours contracts.

Conditions of Employment

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department issues to employers on the use of zero hours contracts.

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills does not issue guidance to employers on the use of zero hours contracts. Neither does the Department issue guidance to employers on other employment contract types.
	Guidance is available with regard to employment contracts on:
	www.gov.uk
	for employers and individuals. Employers and individuals may also use other sources for information, for example, Acas.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department spent on (a) gas and (b) electricity in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Jo Swinson: The following figures relate to spend by this Department on gas and electricity in 2010-11 and 2011-12:
	
		
			 £ 
			  Gas Electricity 
			 2010-11 144,305 1,419,770 
			 2011-12 127,575 1,192,438

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which company supplied (a) gas and (b) electricity to his Department in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Jo Swinson: The following companies supplied gas and electricity to the Department in 2010-11 and 2011-12:
	In 2010-11 and 2011-12 Corona supplied gas to the Department.
	In 2010-11 and 2011-12 EDF supplied electricity to those buildings which have half hourly meters.
	In 2010-11 and 2011-12 British Gas supplied electricity to those buildings which do not have half hourly meters.
	The Department uses the Government Procurement Service Energy Framework to purchase its gas and electricity supply.

Local Enterprise Partnerships: Yorkshire and the Humber

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment his Department has made of the effect of local economic partnerships in Yorkshire.

Michael Fallon: The Government does not carry out formal assessments of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). As partnerships of business and civic leaders, local enterprise partnerships are first and foremost accountable to their local community and local businesses.
	Local enterprise partnerships in Yorkshire are making a real difference through their programmes to support growth and jobs, such as the growing places fund and regional growth fund. For example, Leeds City Region LEP has ambitious targets for growth and jobs, building on its diverse economy and driving investment in sectors such as precision engineering and textiles, which provide the most potential for growth. LEPs in England are also being given responsibility for drawing up investment plans for over £5 billion European Structural and Investment Funds and will, through their local growth deals, gain a share of over £2 billion local growth fund from April 2015.

Members: Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he plans to reply to the letter dated 16 August 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr Robin Wright.

Jo Swinson: As the matters raised in the right hon. Member's letter were the responsibility of HM Treasury, his letter was transferred to that Department for a reply. An email was sent to the right hon. Member's office on 29 August 2013 advising him of the transfer of his correspondence.

Mental Illness: Discrimination

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has signed up to the Time to Change Initiative to end mental health discrimination.

Jo Swinson: BIS is committed to signing the Time to Change pledge. We are in the process of developing a detailed action plan, which is a pre-requisite of formally signing up, and are examining examples of good practice which we might be able to adopt in the Department.
	We fully support activity to support those with mental health problems in the workplace and endorse the principle that employees with such issues should not be stigmatised.

Motor Sports: Silverstone

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the value of Silverstone Circuit to the UK economy.

Michael Fallon: Estimates produced by the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership show that Silverstone is at the centre of a cluster of more than 1,000 companies working in motorsports and related high performance technologies. Between them they employ over 21,000 people and contribute £2 billion to the local economy. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and UK Trade & Investment are already working with Silverstone and the local enterprise partnerships across "Motorsports Valley" to see what more can be done to support and grow this international asset.

Natural Gas: Storage

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether, in exercising his advisory role to the Department for Energy and Climate Change on gas storage, he took account of the fact that Dr John Roberts, who chaired the report commissioned by the Council for Science and Technology into GB electricity capacity margin, is also, as the Chair of Halite Gas Storage, seeking government approval for gas storage in Wyre.

Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), agrees that there is no case for a further intervention in the gas market above and beyond the range of measures already announced to enhance our gas security in September. This decision is informed by Ofgem's report on the outlook for gas security of supply from November 2012, analysis from Redpoint consultants, and work with National Grid and industry participants. The position of Dr John Roberts, the Council for Science and Technology's report into GB electricity capacity margin, and the case for gas storage in Wyre, were not factors in the decision making process.

New Businesses: Kent

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many start-up loans have been granted to businesses in (a) Gillingham and Rainham constituency, (b) Medway and (c) Kent to date.

Matthew Hancock: The start-up loans scheme volumes for (a) Gillingham and Rainham, (b)Medway and (c) Kent are as follows. The Start-Up Loans Company does not capture data at constituency level, therefore the following figures are obtained by postcode region.
	(a) Gillingham and Rainham—seven loans with a total value of £51,800;
	(b) Medway—17 loans with a total value of £132,050;
	(c) Kent—114 loans with a total value of £694,672.

Overseas Trade: Sri Lanka

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with (a) UK Trade and Investment, (b) the British high commission in Sri Lanka and (c) the Commonwealth Business Council on representatives of British companies travelling to Sri Lanka during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Colombo in November 2013.

Michael Fallon: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has had no discussions with UK Trade & Investment, the British high commission in Colombo or the Commonwealth Business Council regarding British companies travelling to Sri Lanka.
	I understand that a number of UK companies will be represented in Sri Lanka during November 2013 under the auspices of the Commonwealth Business Forum.

Post Offices

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department met the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance.

Jo Swinson: Details of all external meetings undertaken by Ministers at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills are published on a quarterly basis on the Gov.uk website.
	https://www.gov.uk/government/publications? departments%5B%5D=department-for-business-innovation-skills&publication_type=transparency-data
	Details covering 2013 Q3 will be published in due course.
	The Department has responded to written representations from the Justice for Subspostmasters Alliance who have also met the Minister responsible for Post Office matters on 7 October 2010 and 28 June 2012. There have been no direct meetings with departmental officials outside of these ministerial meetings.

Post Offices: ICT

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the oral statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, 9 July 2013, Official Report, column 198, on Post Office–Horizon system, who will chair the review that will determine how best to adjudicate future disputed cases with regards to the Horizon system; and whether the review body has yet met.

Jo Swinson: Post Office Ltd has worked closely with the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA), Second Sight (the independent forensic accountants), and the right hon. Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot), to establish a Mediation Scheme. The Scheme will be overseen by a Working Group with an independent Chair in Sir Anthony Hooper, whose appointment was announced on 29 October 2013. The Government is not a member of the Initial Mediation Scheme, but I understand that Sir Anthony chaired his first meeting of the Group on 25 October 2013.
	Subpostmasters who wish to have their case considered by the Initial Mediation Scheme have until 18 November 2013 to submit their applications. The scheme opened on 27 August 2013.

Post Offices: ICT

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with Post Office Limited regarding the Horizon system.

Jo Swinson: I regularly meet senior representatives from Post Office Ltd to discuss a wide range of matters. In addition, officials from the Department's Shareholder Executive team maintain a close and continuous dialogue with the company.

Post Offices: ICT

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects Second Sight to produce its final report on the Post Office Limited Horizon system.

Jo Swinson: Following the publication of Second Sight's report in July, Post Office Ltd established a Complaint Review and Mediation Scheme to provide an effective mechanism to address subpostmasters' complaints. The scheme and its time scales are overseen by a Working Group, chaired by Sir Anthony Hooper, and comprising of representatives from Post Office Ltd, the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, and Second Sight. The Working Group is independent of Government, and is responsible for meeting the recommendations set out in the interim report. Subpostmasters who wish to have their cases reviewed by the Mediation Scheme have until 18 November to apply. These will then be considered and where appropriate investigated. It is for the independent Working Group to decide how to report on the findings of those investigations in due course.

Staff

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of employees within his Department on each civil service pay scale are (a) women and (b) men.

Jo Swinson: This information is contained in the Statistical Bulletin Tables (Table 22) of the 2013 Civil Service Statistics. This is available on the following page on the ONS website:
	http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-319802

Students: Lancashire

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many university students in (a) Ribble Valley constituency and (b) Lancashire are eligible for maintenance loans.

David Willetts: Estimates of the number of English domiciled students eligible to apply for a maintenance loan are published annually in Table 4A(ii) of the Student Loans Company's Statistical First Release, “Student Support for Higher Education in England”. The latest published statistics, from November 2012, are available at the following link:
	http://www.slc.co.uk/statistics/national-statistics
	In the academic year 2010/11 we estimated that there were 1,011,100 English domiciled students in UK higher education(1) who were eligible to apply for a maintenance loan. Of this total, 983,295 students were enrolled at UK higher education institutions, of which 23,545 were from Lancashire local authority, and 2,305 were from the Ribble Valley constituency.
	Estimates of the maintenance loan eligible population in the academic year 2011/12 will be published in the next edition of “Student Support for Higher Education in England” on 28 November 2013.
	(1) This estimate includes students enrolled at UK higher education institutions and other providers of higher education, such as further education colleges.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Electoral Register: Young People

David Ward: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to increase the number of young people registering to vote.

Greg Clark: The transition to individual electoral registration offers the opportunity for electoral administrators to ensure as many people as are entitled to are registered to vote.
	Additional funding has been made available for the extra costs associated with this.

HEALTH

Ambulance Services

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from NHS hospital trusts on the availability of ambulances in the last 12 months.

Jane Ellison: No representations have been received from national health service hospital trusts on the availability of ambulances in the last 12 months.
	Decision making regarding the number of ambulances is an operational issue and is therefore a matter for the local ambulance trust.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what safeguards he has put in place to ensure that there is no conflict of financial interest between membership of clinical commissioning groups and GP-run practices and health centres;
	(2)  what provision has been made for the registration and publication of the interests of members of clinical commissioning groups.

Jane Ellison: Every clinical commissioning group (CCG) must have a constitution setting out, among other things, the arrangements made for discharging its duties with regards to registers of interest and managing conflicts of interest. CCGs are expected to provide clear guidance to their members and employees on what might constitute a conflict of interest, providing examples that are likely to arise.
	The Health and Social Care Act 2012 sets out clear requirements of CCGs to make arrangements for managing conflicts of interests. Each CCG must:
	maintain one or more registers of interest of; the members of the group, members of the its governing body, members of its committees or sub-committees of its governing body, and its employees;
	publish, or make arrangements to ensure that members of the public have access to these registers on request;
	make arrangements to ensure individuals declare any potential conflicts of interest in relation to a decision to be made by the group, and record them in the registers as soon as they become aware of it, and in any event within 28 days; and
	make arrangements for managing conflicts of interest, and potential conflicts of interest in such a way as to ensure that they do not and do not appear to, affect the integrity of the group's decision making process.
	In March 2013, NHS England published “Managing conflicts of interests: Guidance for clinical commissioning groups”. In addition, the National Health Service (Procurement, Patient Choice and Competition) Regulations 2013 set out that commissioners:
	must manage conflicts and potential conflicts of interests when awarding a contract by prohibiting the award of a contract where the integrity of the award has been or appears to have been affected by a conflict; and
	must keep appropriate records of how they managed any conflicts in individual cases.

Dementia

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2013, Official Report, column 809W, on dementia, how many emergency hospitals admissions in each hospital trust in England were for patients with a diagnosis of dementia in each of the last five years.

Norman Lamb: Data on a count of finished admission episodes where there was an emergency admission method and a primary or secondary diagnosis of dementia split by hospital provider for the years 2007-08 to 2011-12, has been placed in the Library.
	It should be noted that this is not a count of people as the same person may have been admitted on more than one occasion.
	Reference should be made to the footnotes when interpreting the data.

Energy

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which companies supplied (a) gas and (b) electricity to his Department in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12.

Daniel Poulter: During both 2010-11 and 2011-12 the Department's utility providers were as follows:
	Electricity: Southern Electric
	Gas: Total Gas and Power.

Food

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the total amount of saturated fat consumed by the UK population each year;
	(2)  what proportion of UK food industry companies are signatories of the Saturated Fat Reduction Pledge;
	(3)  who the existing Public Health Responsibility Deal partners are; and which other companies and organisations were approached about joining the Saturated Fat Reduction Pledge.

Jane Ellison: Average population intake of saturated fat in the United Kingdom is estimated at 26 grams per person per day (12.7% of food energy), around 15% more than is recommended.
	The initial group of signatories to the saturated fat reduction pledge represents 44% of the retail market based on sales of products containing saturated fat.
	All relevant organisations were invited to sign up to the pledge, including existing partners and businesses not currently signed to the Responsibility Deal. We will encourage additional sign-up over the coming months.
	As of the 29 October 2013, there were 591 Responsibility Deal's partners. A full list of the partners and the pledges they are signed up to is available on the Responsibility Deal's website at:
	https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/partners/
	The list of partners is updated on a daily basis.

Food: Advertising

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 25 October 2013, Official Report, column 281W, on Food: advertising, when he will announce action with the food industry to reduce exposure to marketing and promotion of less healthy foods.

Jane Ellison: Identifying further action on the promotion of food is an important part of the work programme of the Responsibility Deal's Food Network. Discussions with business and others are under way.

Food: Low Incomes

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives to families on low incomes on eating healthily.

Jane Ellison: We want people of all incomes to have the information to eat a healthy balanced diet, consistent with the United Kingdom's national food guide the ‘eatwell plate’, and helped by the new consistent Front of Pack nutrition labelling scheme.
	In addition, the Change4life social marketing campaign focuses primarily on families on a low income in England and provides advice and support to help people adopt healthier lifestyles, including healthier diets. Change4life now has more than 200 national partners and more than a million families have joined the campaign. Through Healthy Start, the Government provides a nutritional safety net in a way that encourages healthy eating to more than half a million pregnant women and children under four years old in very low income and disadvantaged families throughout the UK. Families apply for the scheme via their own midwife or health visitor, who should offer them relevant advice on diet and nutrition at the same time.

Food: Packaging

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned into reference intakes on food packaging and their reliability in relation to children; and what discussions he has held on this issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland.

Jane Ellison: Departmental officials have consulted the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and have had continued dialogue with the devolved Administrations, industry and consumer organisations on the question of reference intakes for children. We are considering if further guidance on this issue is required.

Health: Drinks

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of patients who have been prescribed protein drinks by their GPs.

Norman Lamb: Information is not collected centrally on the number of people prescribed medicines or the medical condition being treated. However, information is available on the number of prescription items dispensed and the net ingredient cost (NIC) of medicines.
	It is not possible to distinguish protein drinks specifically within prescription data. Information is provided for all products within British National Formulary (BNF) Section 9.4.2 Enteral nutrition, which contains more than just protein drinks.
	
		
			 Number of prescription items written in the United Kingdom and dispensed in the community in England, as classified by BNF Section 9.4.2(1,2,3) 
			  Prescription items NIC (£) 
			 2012-13 6,057,985 227,533,413 
			 (1) The usual route of supply for 'protein drinks' is unlikely to be by prescription, as many of these products can be bought privately. (2) Enteral nutrition products are also used in secondary care, information on which is not included. (3) Enteral nutrition products delivered to patients in their homes through homecare providers are not captured within the data. Source: Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system

ICT

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2013, Official Report, column 810W, on ICT, how many (a) iPads and (b) iPhones have been purchased and at what cost by Public Health England.

Daniel Poulter: Since Public Health England was created on 1 April 2013, 730 iPhones have been purchased at an estimated cost of £219,000 excluding VAT. 130 iPads have been purchased at a cost of £59,000 excluding VAT.

ICT

Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2013, Official Report, column 810W, on ICT, what each of his Department's non-departmental public bodies has spent on (a) iPads and (b) iPhones since 2011.

Daniel Poulter: The total expenditure on iPads and iPhones since 2011 for each non-departmental public body is as follows:
	
		
			 Non-departmental public bodies £ 
			 NHS England 959,040 
			 Monitor 41,029 
			 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 0 
			 Human Tissue Authority 0 
			 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 3,310.73 
			 Care Quality Commission 44,000 
			 Health and Social Care Information Centre 14,004 
			 1. Figures inclusive of VAT. 2. Expenditure relates to hardware procurement only.

Medical Records: Databases

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether electronic access to patient records by 2015 will cover (a) pre-existing patient records or (b) new patient records after that date.

Daniel Poulter: Electronic access to patient records will cover new information placed on the patient's record from the point that online access is made available in the patient's general practitioner practice. This will apply to both existing patients and any new patients who register at the practice.

Mental Health Services

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of ethnic inequalities in mental health services; and what steps he is taking to tackle any such inequality;
	(2)  what recent assessment he has made of emergency mental health care in the NHS;
	(3)  how many inpatient beds are available for mental health patients in each mental health trust in each of the last five years; and what the average occupation level was for such beds in each trust in each such year.

Norman Lamb: The Department will retain responsibility, working with partners and stakeholders to improve outcomes for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and other disadvantaged groups. NHS England have a critical part to play and the NHS Mandate makes clear that everyone should have timely access to the mental health services they need.
	The Department's Equality Action Plan for 2012-13 includes a specific focus on mental health, including the objective to ensure that the Mental Health Strategy ‘No Health Without Mental Health’, and further policy development addresses the needs of individuals from BME groups and people with protected characteristics, where evidence shows the greatest need.
	The Mental Health Strategy acknowledges the higher incidence of lower well-being and higher rates of mental health problems of some BME groups. It is explicit about ensuring that health promotion and ill-health prevention approaches must be targeted at high risk groups. This means that programmes must be delivered in such a way that they are accessible to them, leading to a narrowing of the health inequality gap between groups.
	The Strategy's Implementation Framework also includes actions which a number of partner organisations can take to improve the mental health care and treatment for the most vulnerable in society, including BME groups. It further highlights increasing equality in mental health as one of 10 key challenges to translate the vision into reality, and includes links to work under way across the NHS and Government to tackle inequality, disadvantage and discrimination for people with mental health problems.
	The Department is currently working with the Home Office, NHS England, Association of Chief Police Officers, the Royal College of Psychiatry and others to produce a concordat on crisis mental health care. This will set out an agreed statement of principles between these agencies about what a person who needs emergency mental health care should expect from the services involved. We intend to publish the concordat this year.
	NHS England is conducting a review into the delivery of urgent and emergency care in England. The first phase of this review involved development of an evidence base and public engagement on the principles for change to the current system. The outcomes of this engagement exercise, and next steps, will be published by NHS England in the next few weeks.
	The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has started a thematic review of emergency mental health care which will report in autumn 2014. This will focus on people's experience of using emergency mental health services and how their needs are met, including access to health-based places of safety.
	Information in the format requested in respect of mental health in-patient beds is not held centrally.
	However, NHS England publishes quarterly national data on bed occupancy and average stay for mental health in-patients across all NHS Trusts. Some of the beds identified as mental health beds in the data are within NHS Trusts that are not specifically mental health trusts.
	This data is available on the NHS England website at:
	www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/bed-availability-and-occupancy/bed-data-overnight/

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the recommendations made by Sir Robert Francis QC in his report on care providers by Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust his Department (a) has implemented and (b) plans to implement.

Daniel Poulter: The Government plans to publish its further response to the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry this autumn. This will provide individual responses to each of the Inquiry's 290 recommendations.

Multiple Sclerosis

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what collaboration there will be between officials working on the update of the NICE guidelines for multiple sclerosis and on the NHS England review of the clinical commissioning policy for the Fampyra form of 4-Aminopyridine;
	(2)  how many individual funding requests for the Fampyra form of 4-Aminopyridine and the Sativex form of nabiximols NHS England has received from each NHS region in each month of the last two years; and what the age of each such applicant was;
	(3)  how the NHS England review of its commissioning policy for the Fampyra form of 4-Aminopyridine will be conducted; and what the timeline for this review is;
	(4)  for what reasons NHS England decided not to recommend that the Fampyra form of 4-Aminopyridine should be routinely prescribed on the NHS;
	(5)  what criteria NHS England applied when deciding whether the (a) Fampyra form of 4-Aminopyridine and (b) Sativex form of nabiximols should be considered a specialist treatment.

Norman Lamb: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently updating its clinical guideline on the management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care. The scope of the guideline states that it will cover the management of mobility with fampridine (Fampyra) and the management of spasticity with Sativex (nabiximols) in patients with multiple sclerosis. NICE currently expects to issue its updated guideline in October 2014. NICE clinical guidelines are developed through consultation with stakeholders.
	NHS England advises that since April 2013 it has received six requests for Fampyra. One request was received by the midlands and east region, three by the London region and two by the south region. No requests have been received by the north region. NHS England does not hold this information by month and does not routinely hold information about the age of the patient. NHS England was established in April 2013 and so does not hold any data on individual funding requests prior to this date.
	NHS England does not hold information about individual funding requests for the Sativex form of nabiximols as this treatment is commissioned by Clinical Commissioning Groups.
	No date has been set for a review of the commissioning policy for Fampyra. There is a rolling programme of Specialised Commissioning Policies taking place during 2013-14 and the policy for Fampyra will be incorporated into that programme.
	NHS England decided not to recommend that Fampyra be routinely prescribed on the national health service as it did not consider it to be a cost effective use of NHS resources.
	In line with the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Ministers take into account four factors when considering whether a service should be commissioned directly by NHS England rather than by CCGs:
	the number of individuals who require the provision of the service or facility;
	the cost of providing the service or facility;
	the number of people able to provide the service or facility; and
	the financial implications for CCGs if they were required to arrange for the provision of the service or facility.

NHS Property Services

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 October 2013, Official Report, column 765W, on NHS Property Services, how much money intended for capital purposes was used for short-term financing of NHS Property Services' revenue expenditure; and for what reasons parliamentary question 172325 was not answered fully in his initial response of 25 October 2013.

Daniel Poulter: We would like to assure my hon. Friend that at no time has NHS Property Services Limited used capital allocation for revenue purposes.

NHS Property Services

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 25 October 2013, Official Report, column 284W, on NHS Property Services, (a) what guidance he received that the identity of purchasers of property sold by NHS Property Services should not be disclosed due to commercial sensitivity, (b) what criteria he used to determine that the identity of purchasers should not be disclosed due to commercial sensitivity and (c) who in his Department made the decision that the names of buyers of property sold by NHS Property Services was commercially sensitive information; and if he will place a copy of any such guidance received on this matter in the Library.

Daniel Poulter: In my previous answer of 25 October 2013, Official Report, column 284W, I said this information was commercially sensitive. However, it has subsequently come to light that some of this information, which is not commercially sensitive, is already in the public domain or will be shortly. This information is set as follows.
	
		
			 NHS Property Services Limited Property Sales Information 
			 Date Property Name Status Actual Transaction Details Buyer Contracted Sales Price (£ million) Estimated Market Value Range (£ million) Valuer NHS Property Services Limited Officer Total Bidders and Invitations for offers(1) 
			 4 April 2013 The Link Health Centre, Farrer Street, Stockton-on-Tees Completed Freehold Disposal Doctors Bonavia, Smith, Rehman and Wrightman 0.085 0.085 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder(2) 
			 1 May 2013 Poole House, Stokesley Road, Nunthorpe Completed Freehold Disposal Charles Church Developments Ltd 2.715 2.715 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 8 bidders 
			 7 May 2013 St James' Hospital, Development Land, Riverhead Close, Southsea Completed Freehold Disposal Crayfern Homes Ltd 0.765 0.800 Hellier Langstone Director of Asset Management 4 bidders 
			 13 May 2013 The Elms Health Centre, High Street, Potters Bar Completed Freehold Disposal GPG No 5 Ltd 0.465 0.465 BNP Paribas and District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder(2) 
			 22 May 2013 Windmill House, Everett Close, Bushy Heath Signed Freehold Disposal Heronslea 5.100 5.2 and 5.0 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 26 bidders 
			 30 May 2013 Redclyffe House, 63 The Avenue, Gosport Completed Freehold Disposal Fairoze Ltd 0.477 0.477 Hellier Langstone Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 7 June 2013 3 Auckland Road, Scunthorpe Completed Freehold Disposal Mr Philip and Ms Augustine 0.085 0.085 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 14 June 2013 72 Laburnum Avenue, Wallsend Completed Freehold Disposal Ms Cain and Mr Lazarcszak 0.090 0.090 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 27 June 2013 Devizes Clinic, New Park Street, Devises Completed Freehold Disposal Oast Lodge Ltd 0.395 0.395 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 7 bidders 
			 8 August 2013 Upton Clinic, Weston Grove, Upton Completed Freehold Disposal Mr and Mrs Wood 0.170 0.170 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 11 bidders 
		
	
	
		
			 14 August 2013 St Johns Surgery, Manor Farm Road, Huyton Completed Freehold Disposal Mr and Mrs Farrington 0.060 0.060 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 16 August 2013 Balsall Common Clinic, 148 Station Rd, Balsall Common, Coventry Completed Freehold Disposal Excel Data Services Ltd 0.230 0.185 Gerald Eve and District Valuer Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 28 August 2013 Blacon Health Clinic, Church Way, Blacon Completed Freehold Disposal Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council 0.255 0.185 and 0.255 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 30 August 2013 Alcester Hospital, Priory Road, Alcester Completed Freehold Disposal McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd 1.400 1.125 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 10 bidders 
			 6 September 2013 17 Castle Street, Worcester Completed Freehold Disposal Mark Andrew Stansfeld 0.283 0.162 and 0.283 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 8 bidders 
			 16 September 2013 Health Clinic, Market Square, Bishops Stortfort Completed Freehold Disposal Montebello Ltd 0.590 0.475 Savills Director of Asset Management 5 bidders 
			 (1) The losing bidders would still regard their bidding activity as commercially sensitive, in addition there is personal data in respect of the names of a number of these losing bidders who were individuals however the numbers of bidders are included. (2) There was only one bidder in these circumstances, as the property was sold to a sitting GP tenant.

NHS Property Services

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 25 October 2013, Official Report, column 284W, on NHS Property Services, 
	(1)  which third party independent valuers and reports were relied upon to demonstrate that sales of property by NHS Property Services were at market value;
	(2)  who the bidders were in each sale of a property by NHS Property Services.

Daniel Poulter: The information requested is in the following table.
	
		
			 NHS Property Services Limited Property Sales Information 
			 Date Property Name Status Actual Transaction Details Buyer Contracted Sales Price(£ million) Estimated Market Value Range (£ million) Valuer NHS Property Services Limited Officer Total Bidders and Invitations for offers(1) 
			 4 April 2013 The Link Health Centre, Farrer Street, Stockton-on-Tees Completed Freehold Disposal Doctors Bonavia, Smith, Rehman and Wrightman 0.085 0.085 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder(2) 
			 1 May 2013 Poole House, Stokesley Road, Nunthorpe Completed Freehold Disposal Charles Church Developments Ltd 2.715 2.715 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 8 bidders 
			 7 May 2013 St James' Hospital, Development Land, Riverhead Close, Southsea Completed Freehold Disposal Crayfern Homes Ltd 0.765 0.800 Hellier Langstone Director of Asset Management 4 bidders 
			 13 May 2013 The Elms Health Centre, High Street, Potters Bar Completed Freehold Disposal GPG No 5 Ltd 0.465 0.465 BNP Paribas and District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder(2) 
			 22 May 2013 Windmill House, Everett Close, Bushy Heath Signed Freehold Disposal Heronslea 5.100 5.2 and 5.0 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 26 bidders 
		
	
	
		
			 30 May 2013 Redclyffe House, 63 The Avenue, Gosport Completed Freehold Disposal Fairoze Ltd 0.477 0.477 Hellier Langstone Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 7 June 2013 3 Auckland Road, Scunthorpe Completed Freehold Disposal Mr Philip and Ms Augustine 0.085 0.085 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 14 June 2013 72 Laburnum Avenue, Wallsend Completed Freehold Disposal Ms Cain and Mr Lazarcszak 0.090 0.090 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 27 June 2013 Devizes Clinic, New Park Street, Devises Completed Freehold Disposal Oast Lodge Ltd 0.395 0.395 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 7 bidders 
			 8 August 2013 Upton Clinic, Weston Grove, Upton Completed Freehold Disposal Mr and Mrs Wood 0.170 0.170 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 11 bidders 
			 14 August 2013 St Johns Surgery, Manor Farm Road, Huyton Completed Freehold Disposal Mr and Mrs Farrington 0.060 0.060 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 16 August 2013 Balsall Common Clinic, 148 Station Rd, Balsall Common, Coventry Completed Freehold Disposal Excel Data Services Ltd 0.230 0.185 Gerald Eve and District Valuer Director of Asset Management 3 bidders 
			 28 August 2013 Blacon Health Clinic, Church Way, Blacon Completed Freehold Disposal Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council 0.255 0.185 and 0.255 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 1 bidder 
			 30 August 2013 Alcester Hospital, Priory Road, Alcester Completed Freehold Disposal McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd 1.400 1.125 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 10 bidders 
			 6 September 2013 17 Castle Street, Worcester Completed Freehold Disposal Mark Andrew Stansfeld 0.283 0.162 and 0.283 District Valuer Director of Asset Management 8 bidders 
			 16 September 2013 Health Clinic, Market Square, Bishops Stortfort Completed Freehold Disposal Montebello Ltd 0.590 0.475 Savills Director of Asset Management 5 bidders 
			 (1) The losing bidders would still regard their bidding activity as commercially sensitive, in addition there is personal data in respect of the names of a number of these losing bidders who were individuals however the numbers of bidders are included. (2) There was only one bidder in these circumstances, as the property was sold to a sitting GP tenant.

NHS Property Services

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 25 October 2013, Official Report, column 284W, on NHS Property Services, how many of the 115 responses received for the non-executive director positions of NHS Property Services were from people working (a) in his Department, (b) in the NHS and (c) outside the public sector; and how such applications in each category were (i) considered strong, (ii) worth further consideration, (iii) considered borderline and (iv) did not meet the criteria.

Daniel Poulter: None of the applicants for the non-executive director positions for NHS Property Service Ltd were from the Department.
	None of the applicants for the non-executive director positions were working in executive roles in the national health service at the time of applying, but 22 did have some experience in the NHS as a non-executive director.
	The remaining candidates were not from within the public sector.
	All candidates were evaluated for their knowledge, skills and strength of experience against the following headings:
	Finance;
	Property Services;
	Asset Management;
	Corporate Services;
	Business Services;
	Strategic;
	Non-Executive Director Experience; and
	NHS Non-Executive Director Experience.
	Each area was scored within a range of 1-3: 1 being insufficient, 2 being good but with gaps, and 3 being strong.
	Using this methodology candidates were grouped within the following categories:
	Considered strong;
	Worth further consideration;
	Borderline; and
	Did not meet criteria.

NHS: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the security implications of a paperless NHS.

Daniel Poulter: An assessment of the security implications was not made at the time of the announcement of the challenge to the national health service to become paperless. The NHS already holds large amounts of patient information electronically, and it is vital for the effective and efficient functioning of our health care system, and to meet the needs of high quality care, that patient's information is able to flow around the health and care system. The NHS has an established information governance framework to protect personal health data, and guidance on how to meet its requirements is provided centrally.
	The NHS Constitution makes clear the right to confidentiality and to expect the NHS to keep patient's confidential information safe and secure. Individual NHS organisations are legally accountable for complying with information governance requirements. These organisations must invest in the relevant capability and assure themselves that appropriate security measures are in place to protect patient identifiable data and ensure authorised access by the relevant and appropriate professionals. All organisations that access personal confidential data are required to assess and publish details of their performance through the NHS Information Governance Toolkit.

NHS: ICT

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed General Practice Extraction Services; and with what bodies and organisation he has consulted.

Daniel Poulter: The General Practice Extraction Service is run by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), who have published a privacy impact assessment on their website which explains what they do with personal information collected through services such as the General Practice Extraction Service and what effect that might have on privacy. It also explains what steps the HSCIC takes to protect privacy.
	As with all information technology related projects, the General Practice Extraction Service has been through the government business case process to ascertain that it is the right sort of investment, is affordable and value for money.

NHS: Misconduct

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS employees have been dismissed for misconduct in the last 12 months; whether the records of those employees have been permanently marked to ensure that they will not be re-employed in the NHS; and how many of those employees have been (a) reported to the police and (b) prosecuted.

Daniel Poulter: The Department does not hold information regarding the number of national health service employees who have been dismissed for misconduct, reported to the police or prosecuted. This information is held locally by each individual NHS organisation.
	The Department expects NHS organisations to comply with employment legislation and to follow best practice guidance when managing dismissals and to have robust recruitment procedures in place for new recruits, including the uptake of appropriate references and disclosure and barring service checks as required. Appropriate recruitment checks help employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
	Where a healthcare practitioner is dismissed for misconduct, the employer, may decide to refer that employee to the relevant professional regulator. Each professional regulator has a fitness to practise process for handling complaints made by service users, employers and others. The regulator will consider the circumstances for dismissal and, if appropriate, may remove that person's name from their register.

Out of Area Treatment: Wales

Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the contribution of 25 June 2013, Official Report, column 282, what progress he has made on a review of cross-border health care arrangements for people living in England but registered with GP practices in Wales.

Jane Ellison: NHS England is looking into this issue and we expect to receive a report from it shortly.

Smoking

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people who smoke in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK who are (i) under the age of 18 and (ii) over the age of 18.

Jane Ellison: The information requested is not available centrally. This is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government.

Telemedicine

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of telemedicine to the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Lamb: The Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) programme, launched in 2008, was funded and run by the Department and was the largest randomised control trial in the world of telecare and telehealth. This WSD evaluated the effects of telehealth service utilisation on 6,191 patients in 238 general practitioner (GP) practices across three sites in Newham, Kent and Cornwall. It was set up to look at cost-effectiveness, clinical-effectiveness, organisational issues, effect on carers and work force issues.
	A paper from the London School of Economics (LSE) on cost-effectiveness of telehealth in the WSD study, published in the British Medical Journal on 22 March 2013, found that it was delivered at high cost. The LSE identified a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) figure of £90,000 per patient which is three times the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended maximum level. The LSE paper can be found at:
	www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f1035
	We recognise that, when delivered as an add-on to existing services at low volume use and at a high unit price, telehealth and telecare is not cost-effective. This is why the ‘3millionlives’ initiative was developed. This initiative aims to build a different approach to delivery based on a new business model that will help to make telehealth both cost and clinically-effective. WSD clearly shows that using telehealth as an integral part of health and care services can help to reduce hospital admissions. The three WSD sites using telehealth experienced:
	a 15% reduction in A&E visits;
	a 20% reduction in emergency admissions;
	a 14% reduction in elective admissions;
	a 14% reduction in bed days;
	an 8% reduction in tariff costs; and
	a 45% reduction in mortality rates.
	Implemented effectively as part of a whole system redesign of care, telehealth and telecare have long-term benefits such as alleviating pressure on national health service costs in the long term and improve people's quality of life through better self-care in the home setting.
	The Department is working closely with the NHS, social care and other stakeholders to simplify procurement and commissioning processes for telehealth and telecare services. ‘3millionlives’ aims to work in collaboration with industry, the NHS, social care and professional partners to improve the lives of three million people over the next five years through the introduction of telehealth and telecare technologies into redesigned clinical pathways.

Tobacco: Packaging

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on standardised tobacco packaging; and what recent discussions he has had on this issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing in Scotland.

Jane Ellison: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) to the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson) on 8 October 2013, Official Report, column 118W.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received for a public enquiry to be held into maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.

Daniel Poulter: A search of the Department's ministerial correspondence database identified written representations received between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2013 from five individual correspondents calling for a public inquiry to be held into maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (FT). This is a minimum figure which represents correspondence received by the Department's ministerial correspondence unit only.
	A search of Private Office diary records was made between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2013 for relevant ministerial meetings and parliamentary business. The following representations were identified:
	On 12 July 2012, the former Minister of State for Health (Simon Burns) met Members of Parliament from the Morecambe Bay area. The hon. Member for Barrow and Furness asked about an independent inquiry.
	On 5 February 2013, at a Westminster Hall debate on “Standards of Care and Future Services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust”, the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (John Woodcock) voiced concerns about the need for an independent inquiry.
	On 12 February 2013, at a meeting with the NHS, a local campaigner and his MP, the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness, and having listened to the concerns raised, I brokered an agreement for an open, transparent and independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS FT. This investigation is now under way.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

British Overseas Territories

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much funding from the European Development Fund each overseas territory for which Britain has responsibility received in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; how much it will receive in 2013-14; for what purpose each grant was received; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: The European Development Fund (EDF) was agreed alongside the current Multiannual Financial Framework, negotiated when the hon. Member was Minister for Europe. EDF has provided funding to the following Overseas Territories for which Britain has responsibility. The EDF reports on calendar years and the information is taken from the EuropeAid Annual Reports for these years.
	Anguilla
	For the development of the air transportation sector and to help implement the Government's medium-term economic strategy 2010-14.
	
		
			  EDF disbursement (€ million) 
			 2010 6.26 
			 2011 0.02 
			 2012 3.62 
		
	
	Falkland Islands
	To accelerate sustainable economic growth by supporting private sector development in trade and to implement the sustainable development and diversification components of the Islands Plan (2012-17).
	A financing decision of EUR 4.13 million was adopted in 2013 with disbursements expected from early 2014.
	Montserrat
	To support sustainable tourism through infrastructure development, private sector development and ICT development and for the improvement of public administration.
	
		
			  EDF disbursement (€ million) 
			 2010 6.51 
			 2011 1.6 
			 2012 5.13 
		
	
	Pitcairn
	For the development of alternative landing facilities to support sustainable tourism.
	
		
			  EDF disbursement (€ million) 
			 2012 1.14 
		
	
	A further EUR 2.4 million will be disbursed by the end of 2013.
	St Helena (including Tristan da Cunha and Ascension)
	To support to transport infrastructure.
	
		
			  EDF disbursement (€ million) 
			 2011 3.3 
		
	
	Turks and Caicos Islands
	For infrastructure and macro-economic reforms.
	
		
			  EDF disbursement (€ million) 
			 2010 0.21 
			 2011 0.78 
			 2012 5.93

Charities Act 2006

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what reports her Department has laid before each House of Parliament pursuant to section 70(9) of the Charities Act 2006 in 2012-13.

Alan Duncan: None.

Energy

Christopher Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what costs were incurred by her Department's estate in respect of (a) gas and (b) electricity supply in the 2012-13 financial year.

Alan Duncan: DFID's expenditure on its UK estate was £83,058 on gas supplies and £569,706 on electricity during the 2012-13 financial year.

Overseas Aid

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discretion (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department have over when and where Europe Aid directs aid.

Justine Greening: Decisions on current allocations were taken at the beginning of the 2007-2013 budget period, when the right hon. Member was Minister for Europe.
	This Government has led the way in pressing for the number of recipients of EU aid under the next MFF (2014-20) to be reduced. Under the changes, upper-middle income countries including Brazil, China and India will no longer receive bilateral grant assistance under the Development Co-operation Instrument. The MFF is now subject to approval by the European Parliament.

Overseas Aid

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which non-governmental organisations are suppliers of UK aid; and in which countries such aid is distributed.

Justine Greening: DFID supports Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) through a range of centrally managed funds and country programmes. Details of funding provided to UK based CSOs can be found in Table 19 of the ‘Statistics on international Development’ publication which is available online at:
	https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/table-19-dfid-expenditure-through-uk-csos-2011-12
	The Department also provides support to local civil society organisations in the countries where we work as appropriate.

Overseas Aid

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role is played by the National Security Council in the decision-making process which determines which countries UK aid is directed to and in what form.

Justine Greening: The National Security Council, on which the Secretary of State for International Development sits, and the National Security Strategy, set a coherent framework for all of HMG's security and conflict prevention activity, which helps inform decisions as to which countries receive UK aid.

Overseas Aid

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development to how many countries the UK provides aid via Europe Aid; and which of these are considered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to have humanitarian records which give cause for concern.

Justine Greening: Under the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2007-13) negotiated when the right hon. Member was Minister for Europe, EU aid investments funded projects regardless of progress on reform. This Government has ensured that under the next MFF (2014-20), where reforms on democracy and human rights have not taken place, funding to governments can be reduced or withdrawn.
	Recipients of the EU budget and the European Development Fund can be found in Table 5.11 of the 2013 EuropeAid Annual report.

South Sudan

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the development effects of seasonal flooding in South Sudan; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure humanitarian aid is reaching vulnerable people in these areas.

Lynne Featherstone: Following the onset of heavy rains in August 2013, seasonal flooding has caused damage to houses, crops and basic infrastructure in eight states across South Sudan. Affected states include Jonglei, Lakes, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria.
	As of 29 October, approximately 155,000 people were assessed to be in need of assistance. Aid organisations are responding with food, household items, WASH and medical assistance. Almost 100,000 people have received assistance to date. Access challenges remain due to lack of logistics capacity with many flooded areas only accessible by air, but needs assessments are ongoing in areas that are accessible.
	The UK has allocated £43 million to meet humanitarian needs in South Sudan in 2013. This includes an allocation of £30 million to the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF), which is used to address high priority humanitarian needs and critical events such as seasonal flooding.

Syria

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the proportion of Syrian refugees under the age of 16 years in each host country who are currently in full-time education.

Justine Greening: UNICEF estimates that there are 600,000 school-age refugee children in the region: 40,000 are enrolled in schools in Lebanon, 81,000 in Jordan and 85,000 in Turkey.